Ru-Bee Wren™ Bush Honeysuckle — Diervilla 'SMDCS'

Ru-Bee Wren™ Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla 'SMDCS', PP33,288) is a vigorous deciduous shrub with foliage that changes through the seasons. Broadly lance-shaped leaves emerge crimson, mature to green, and turn shades of yellow and orange in fall.

Small, tubular yellow flowers bloom at the stem tips from late spring into summer. Its compact height and wider spread make it a useful choice for borders, grouped plantings, woodland gardens, and containers.

Growing details

• Plant type: Deciduous shrub; native hybrid
• Mature size: 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide
• Spacing: Approximately 3.5 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–8
• Light: Full sun to part sun; best foliage color in full sun
• Soil: Well-drained soil
• Flowers: Small, tubular yellow flowers from late spring into summer
• Fall foliage: Yellow and orange

Care and landscape use

This low-maintenance shrub tolerates drought and deer browsing. Water regularly and provide good drainage.

Use as a seasonal foliage accent in borders, wildlife gardens, or woodland plantings. Pair with paper birch, witch hazel, or serviceberry for contrasting forms and seasonal interest.

Image credit: Prides Corner, Diervilla rivularis Ru-Bee Wren™ ('SMDCS'). Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.