Nightglow™ Diervilla

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Turn up the drama with Nightglow™ Diervilla. Also known as Diervilla splendens Nightglow™ ('El Madrigal'), this bush honeysuckle has dark, moody burgundy foliage that becomes more vivid in the fall. The high-contrast flowers in yellow are trumpet shaped and frequented by both butterflies and bees. This tough little shrub flowers from spring to summer and looks amazing next to plants with chartreuse or golden foliage.

This is an upright multi stemmed shrub with a mounding form. It is small and compact, maxing out at 2 - 3 feet high and as wide. It is deciduous and hardy to zone 4. It is usually ignored by deer and tolerant of dry and clay sites. Because of their short stature, Nightglow works well in foundation planting for a pop of color, as a low hedge, as an accent focal point, and in containers. 

Nightglow™ Diervilla Care

Bush Honeysuckle grows well in full to partial sun and will exhibit more intense foliage color with at least 6 hours of direct sun. It is very adaptable to a variety of soil types as long as the soil drains well. It also adapts well to dry conditions and exhibits drought tolerance once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Apply a well-balanced organic fertilizer in the spring. 

Nightglow maintains a naturally compact, mounded shape that doesn’t require much pruning. To clean up any damaged or irregular branches, prune in early spring. Bush honeysuckle blooms on new wood, so you can prune away without worrying about removing next year’s buds. 

Nightglow™ Diervilla Spacing

Space Nightglow™ Diervilla plants approximately 2 feet apart to form a low hedge or dense groundcover. Increase the spacing to at least 3 feet for accent planting. Nightglow is a good candidate for container gardens, provided the pot is at least 18 inches in diameter.