Diervilla splendens Kodiak Mixx

Diervilla 'Kodiak Mixx' is a variety of bush with multiple strengths. Decorative from spring to autumn, it is adorned with green leaves decorated with a wide cream-white margin, giving it a luminous appearance in the garden, especially as it tolerates shade well. Throughout the season, it produces pretty pink young shoots, which further brighten its foliage. It is not only ornamental but also useful for wildlife, thanks to its yellow flowering which attracts insects, butterflies and bees. It is very hardy, it grows in practically all light conditions and tolerates various types of soil, making it invaluable for difficult areas in the garden.

A member of the Caprifoliaceae family, Diervilla is much less known than other related genera, such as the classic Weigelas, present in most gardens, or Snowberries, appreciated for their ornamental fruiting. The genus only has three species, and its flowering is less showy than that of Dipelta floribunda, another representative of the family. But its ease of cultivation deserves attention, especially as particularly ornamental new varieties have appeared on the market in recent years.
This is the case with Diervilla x splendens 'G2X88544VAR' Kodiak® Mixx, its full name, a creation by Richard Grazzini in Bellefonte (USA). It is a "sport" (a mutation) of Diervilla 'Kodiak Orange', which was awarded the gold medal for best novelty at the Plantarium 2023 show, the largest horticultural event in the Netherlands. The jury considered that "the plant has a bushy habit and a neat presentation, without burnt foliage. It displays a beautiful colourful mix of green variegated leaves with cream-white edges and pretty pink-red shoots", which is a good summary of its ornamental assets. The compact bush develops rapidly to reach approximately 90 cm in height with a similar width, and even more over time, as when it likes a location, it spreads easily thanks to its suckers. It bears lanceolate, 5 to 8 cm long leaves, with a long, pointed tip. The leaf is slightly wavy, even waffled, with the central part being a beautiful, fairly dark green. Around the entire perimeter, a cream-white margin with irregular borders develops, forming a superb contrast with the clear green. The young leaves are tinged with a salmon pink, creating the most beautiful effect on the variegated foliage, which becomes tricolour. This is not limited to spring, as new shoots form regularly during the growing season. The deciduous foliage falls in autumn, then the bush begins its winter rest.
Clusters of small sulphur-yellow flowers develop in summer, from July to September. The flowering is not spectacular, neither in size nor in colour, as it contrasts little with the variegated foliage; the flowering is mainly interesting for pollinating insects, as it is very nectar-rich. The plant is particularly useful for bees, butterflies and other small garden inhabitants.

Diervilla is probably one of the easiest bushes to succeed with in the garden, sometimes even showing itself a bit too inclined to spread. One can easily forgive this in Diervilla 'Kodiak Mix' as its foliage is so attractive throughout the growing season. An almost indestructible plant, it grows in the sun while tolerating shade, under which its variegation becomes even more intense. This beginner's plant will happily associate with other equally versatile plants. Plant it in the same border as Forsythias, which will illuminate the start of the season with their exuberant yellow flowering. Add some varied Cinquefoils, with pretty single yellow, pink or orange flowers. A touch of purple will be welcome with a Physocarpus 'Lady in Red', creating a strong foliage contrast, or a Cotinus coggygria 'Winecraft Black' equally dark, with the addition of magnificent red and orange autumn colour.