Bush Honeysuckle, Northern bush honeysuckle
Diervilla lonicera

Family: Caprifoliaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Mid summer. Form: Spreading or horizontal.

Diervilla lonicera is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Dry gravelly soils in woodlands.

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Florida.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The leaves are diuretic. A compound decoction has been used in the treatment of stomach aches. This contrasts with a report that the leaves contain a narcotic principle, inducing nausea. The plant is used as a gargle in catarrhal angina. The root is diuretic, galactogogue, laxative and ophthalmic. A cooled infusion has been used as an eyewash for sore eyes. The bark is laxative and ophthalmic. An infusion has been used to increase milk flow in a nursing mother and as an eyewash for sore eyes.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Galactogogue: Promotes the flow of milk in a nursing mother.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Narcotic: Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Other

Rating:

The plants stoloniferous habit makes it useful for soil stabilization on banks and slopes.

Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Ground cover, Massing, Rock garden, Woodland garden. Succeeds in a moist fertile well-drained soil and is not fussy as to soil type. Succeeds in full sun or partial shade. Plants are hardy to about -30°c. This species is a spreading suckering plant, it makes a useful understorey planting in woodlands. Any pruning can be carried out in the winter or after flowering. 2 or 3 year old stems can be removed in order to promote a more shapely bush. Flowers are produced on the current seasons growth. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features: North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in late winter or early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division of suckers in the spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood, late autumn in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 3-8

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

D. canadensis. Willd. D. humilis. Pers.