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Dierville honeysuckle

Name: Dierville honeysuckle
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMGR1
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Common name Bush Honeysuckle

Latin name Diervilla lonicera

Quantity per packet Minimum 200 seeds

This native shrub supports pollinators while helping stabilize soils and naturalize difficult sites. It requires very little maintenance and adapts to a wide range of growing conditions.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameBush Honeysuckle

Latin nameDiervilla lonicera

FamilyDiervillaceae

TypeNative shrub

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 200 seeds

Code produitAKENE-0017

Product
description

Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) is a tough, versatile native shrub valued for its easy culture and ability to thrive in challenging conditions. Its dense foliage adds structure to natural landscapes, while its small nectar-rich yellow flowers bloom from June to July and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. Extremely hardy and well adapted to Canadian climates, it is an excellent choice for natural hedges, riparian buffers, pollinator gardens, and naturalization projects. Its simple, natural appearance fits beautifully into low-maintenance ecological plantings.

Easy to establish, Bush Honeysuckle grows well in full sun to partial shade and tolerates well-drained soils, including poor, rocky, or moderately fertile sites. Once deeply rooted, it withstands variable conditions and requires little watering, making it a reliable shrub for dry or difficult areas. Its suckering habit allows it to gradually form dense colonies that are especially useful for stabilizing slopes, controlling erosion, and covering bare ground. Light pruning in late winter can help maintain a compact shape and encourage denser growth.

In the garden, Bush Honeysuckle pairs beautifully with Shadblow Serviceberry, Goldenrods, Asters, and native Dogwoods to create naturalistic plantings rich in biodiversity. Its nectar-rich flowers support pollinators in summer, while its foliage adds shelter and texture to plantings. It is especially valuable on slopes, in country hedges, and in ecological restoration projects where a durable, adaptable, low-maintenance native shrub is needed. With its exceptional hardiness, soil-stabilizing ability, and value to beneficial wildlife, Diervilla lonicera is an essential shrub for ecological gardens in Canada.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodAutumn or spring after cold stratification

Best time

Autumn or spring

Sowing depthSurface sow

Spacing / density

60 to 120 cm (24 to 48 in)

Germination temperature20 to 22 °C (68 to 72 °F)

Germination time10 to 25 days

Propagation

Propagate primarily by seed or by dividing established suckers. Mature plants naturally form colonies that are easy to expand.

Growing
method

Surface sow Bush Honeysuckle seeds after a period of cold stratification to improve germination. Maintain temperatures between 20 and 22°C (68 to 72°F) while keeping the growing medium lightly moist without becoming waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 10 to 25 days under favorable conditions. Transplant seedlings into full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. This adaptable native shrub thrives in a wide range of growing conditions and requires very little maintenance once established. Its spreading root system contributes to soil stabilization while supporting biodiversity.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun to partial shade

Soil

Well-drained, poor to average soil. This species adapts readily to rocky, sandy, or moderately fertile sites.

Soil pHAcidic to neutral

Watering

Moderate watering is sufficient once established. During the first growing season, keep the soil lightly moist to encourage strong root development.

Fertilization

A light application of compost each spring is generally sufficient to support healthy growth. Heavy fertilization is unnecessary and may reduce flowering.

Care levelLow

In spring, remove dead branches and apply a thin layer of compost around the shrub. During summer, water only during prolonged dry periods, as this species tolerates variable conditions well. In autumn, little maintenance is required beyond light cleanup. Stems may be cut back in late winter if needed to encourage dense new growth. Once established, Bush Honeysuckle remains remarkably easy to maintain year after year.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in)

Bush Honeysuckle can be grown in containers at least 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in) wide with excellent drainage. Use a light growing medium enriched with compost and place the container in full sun or partial shade. Water regularly during the first growing season and during prolonged drought. Container culture allows this adaptable native shrub to perform well on patios and in small gardens while providing attractive foliage and pollinator-friendly flowers.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its exceptional ability to thrive in poor soils and its nectar-rich summer flowers make Bush Honeysuckle one of the best native shrubs for ecological landscaping. It supports biodiversity while providing attractive foliage throughout the growing season.

This native shrub supports pollinators while helping stabilize soils and naturalize difficult sites. It requires very little maintenance and adapts to a wide range of growing conditions.

Garden use

Bush Honeysuckle blends naturally into wildlife hedges, riparian buffers, slope stabilization projects, and native landscapes. It combines beautifully with other Canadian native shrubs while providing shelter for beneficial wildlife. Its dense foliage creates structure throughout the season, making it an outstanding choice for ecological gardens throughout Canada.

Bloom period

Yellow flowers bloom from June through July, providing an abundant source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

Flower colorYellow

Foliage colorGreen

Harvest

August to September

Wildlife appealBees and butterflies

Size
and facts

Height60 to 120 cm (24 to 48 in.)

Spread60 to 120 cm (24 to 48 in.)

Growth rateModerate

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-40°C (-40°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Résistant aux cerfstrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Shadblow Serviceberry, Goldenrod, Scarlet Aster, Red Osier Dogwood

Avoid planting with

Northern Blue Flag Iris, Marsh Marigold, Ligularia, Horsetail

Recipe
and inspiration

Bush Honeysuckle is not generally grown for culinary purposes but is highly valued for its ecological role in natural landscapes. Its nectar-rich flowers support bees, butterflies, and many other beneficial insects throughout summer, while its dense colonies help restore difficult sites and stabilize slopes. It is one of the finest native shrubs for ecological restoration and biodiversity.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Bush Honeysuckle seeds? +

Bush Honeysuckle seeds are best sown in autumn or spring after a period of cold stratification, which encourages more uniform germination.

Does Bush Honeysuckle attract pollinators? +

Yes. Its nectar-rich yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and many other beneficial pollinating insects throughout the summer flowering period.

Can Bush Honeysuckle stabilize slopes? +

Yes. Its suckering habit and dense root system make Bush Honeysuckle an excellent shrub for erosion control and slope stabilization.

What type of soil does Bush Honeysuckle prefer? +

Bush Honeysuckle tolerates poor to average soils but performs best in well-drained locations. It adapts easily to many growing conditions.

Is Bush Honeysuckle easy to grow? +

Yes. Once established, Bush Honeysuckle requires very little maintenance and is exceptionally hardy throughout Canada.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.