Diervilla splendens Kodiak Black

Diervilla 'Kodiak Black' is part of a series of recent varieties selected in the U.S.A for their compact habit, long flowering period, ease of cultivation, and remarkably colourful foliage. This one is distinguished by its deciduous foliage of a very dark purple-black in spring and autumn and purple-green in summer, with small sulfur-yellow trumpet-shaped flowers that illuminate this bush throughout the summer season. Its low growth makes it suitable for ornamental purposes in small gardens. Hardy and robust, this slightly suckering bush tolerates all exposures and soils, as well as temporary droughts once well established. Although it can be used for planting in dry shade, it displays more interesting colour contrasts in the sun.

Diervilla Kodiak Black is a horticultural selection derived from the Diervilla rivularis, a species native to the understory of the southern United States. This suckering shrub of the caprifoliaceae family has a bushy but diverging habit, with multiple stems originating from the stump, and the ability to cover the ground fairly effectively. At maturity, it will reach 1.20 m (3 ft 11 in) in all directions, with its lateral growth being quite easy to control by removing suckers or by planting other vigorous understory plants alongside it. Its foliage consists of ovate, elongated leaves with pointed tips and slightly wavy edges. The leaves are dark purple-black in spring then partially green in summer, before turning back to purple-black in autumn. At the end of the season, the leaves dry up and fall off. Its summer flowering is appreciated by pollinating insects and occurs from June to August. Its pale yellow flowers are clustered together on the previous year's wood, displaying a lovely purple colour. This Diervilla will provide you with abundant flowering, even in a shaded exposure and in the roots of trees where it particularly thrives. The vibrant and contrasting colours bring a lot of personality to the whole. The Diervilla rivularis is less drought-resistant than its cousin, the Diervilla x splendens, but it can tolerate occasional dry periods.

A low-maintenance ground cover, it is adapted to all exposures and all types of soil without excessive limestone and not too dry. The colouration of its foliage is more intense under brighter exposure. Its small growth is ideal for small gardens, enclosed spaces, or steep slopes. It retains and stabilizes slopes thanks to its suckers (underground stems bearing roots). It is also an ideal choice for filling in an understory. It will work very well in a rose garden or in combination with medium-sized perennials such as Nepetas and shrubs with coloured stems such as dogwoods.

This bush was brought back from the Arcadia region during Sieur de Dierville's 17th-century voyage.