Diervilla Sessilifolia

Description

Diervilla Sessilifolia, commonly known as Southern Bush Honeysuckle, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. It belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family and is a hardy plant that grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. The shrub can grow up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide with an upright, spreading, and multi-stemmed growth habit. The leaves are simple, opposite, and sessile, with a slightly serrated margin. The flowers are tubular, yellow to orange-red, and bloom in clusters from June to August. The shrub produces small, dry, and dehiscent fruits that contain many tiny seeds.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Diervilla Sessilifolia has a bushy growth habit with arching branches that produce a dense foliage cover. The leaves are 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide, oval in shape with a pointed tip and a slightly serrated margin. The leaves are dark green in color and turn yellow in the fall. The flowers are tubular, 1-2 cm long, and have five petals that are fused at the base. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches and bloom from June to August. The shrub produces small, dry, and dehiscent fruits that contain many tiny seeds.

Care Guide

Diervilla Sessilifolia is a hardy shrub that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your shrub healthy and thriving:

Water: Water your shrub regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilization: Fertilize your shrub in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.

Soil: Diervilla Sessilifolia prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.

Sunlight: The shrub grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade but may produce fewer flowers.

Hardiness Zones: Diervilla Sessilifolia grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Diervilla Sessilifolia is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Here are some tips to prevent and treat common pests and diseases:

Aphids: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs to your garden.

Spider mites: Spray your shrub with a strong stream of water to remove spider mites. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.

Powdery mildew: Ensure proper air circulation around your shrub by pruning it regularly. You can also use fungicides to control powdery mildew.

Habitat

Diervilla Sessilifolia is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, prairies, and along stream banks. The shrub prefers moist, well-drained soil and grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I water my Diervilla Sessilifolia shrub?

A: Water your shrub regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Q: Can Diervilla Sessilifolia grow in shade?

A: Yes, the shrub can tolerate shade but may produce fewer flowers.

Q: How tall can Diervilla Sessilifolia grow?

A: The shrub can grow up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide with an upright, spreading, and multi-stemmed growth habit.

Q: Does Diervilla Sessilifolia require pruning?

A: Yes, regular pruning can promote better air circulation and plant health. Prune your shrub in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Diervilla Sessilifolia:

• Diervilla Lonicera
• Diervilla Rivularis
• Diervilla Kodiak® Black
• Diervilla Kodiak® Orange

References

• “Diervilla Sessilifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j100.
• “Diervilla Sessilifolia.” North Carolina State University Extension, content.ces.ncsu.edu/diervilla-sessilifolia.
• “Diervilla Sessilifolia.” Plant Finder, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/168/diervilla-sessilifolia/.