Proven Winners® Kodiak Jet Black™ Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla ‘Kodiak Jet Black™’) (PW)

Proven Winners® Kodiak Jet Black™ Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla ‘Kodiak Jet Black™’) (PW) is a dramatic hardy shrub prized for its intensely dark near-black foliage, bright yellow summer flowers, and exceptional landscape durability. This bold deciduous shrub provides striking season-long contrast in borders, foundation plantings, mass landscapes, and modern garden designs.

The glossy foliage emerges deep burgundy-purple in spring before maturing to rich jet-black tones throughout summer, especially in full sun. Clusters of small trumpet-shaped yellow flowers bloom in early to mid-summer and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden. In autumn, the foliage may develop additional fiery red and orange tones, extending ornamental interest late into the season.

Its naturally dense rounded growth habit makes Kodiak Jet Black™ an excellent choice for low hedges, foundation plantings, slopes, and mixed shrub borders. Unlike traditional honeysuckles, Diervilla is non-invasive and highly adaptable, tolerating drought, urban pollution, poor soils, and partial shade once established.

In Alberta, Kodiak Jet Black™ performs best in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil and moderate watering during establishment. It thrives during Prairie summers and develops excellent drought tolerance and winter hardiness over time.