Would you like to add a dramatic touch to your garden? Do you like contrasts? Maybe planting a Nightglow Diervilla in your yard might be a good idea! This plant displays attractive burgundy leaves (that become darker in the fall) and vivid yellow blooms in the summer.
Plus, it is a relatively carefree plant, suitable for most locations, and that, once established, doesn’t require much attention from your side. But do you want to learn more about this stunning bush honeysuckle? Keep reading this essential guide!
| Botanical Name | Diervilla splendens |
| Common Name | Nightglow Diervilla or “El Madrigal” |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Flower Color | Bright yellow flowers appear in clusters in the center of the plant’s burgundy leaves. |
| Size When Mature | Between 24 inches and 3 feet tall |
| Bloom Time | Early Summer to Late Fall |
| Sun Requirements | Partial to Full Sun |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 4-8 |
| Soil PH Range | 5.0-7.0 |
| Soil Type | Moist, well-draining, and fertile |
| Water Needs | (High, Low, Medium) |
| Native Area | North America |
What you Need to Know About Nightglow Diervilla Care
Nightglow Diervilla is a low-growing shrub that can add a gorgeous contrast to any garden, especially if you have deep green or golden foliage plants. Besides, this plant’s compact size is excellent for people who don’t have much space!
Indeed, the plant won’t grow more than three feet tall, making it the perfect addition to your outdoors, no matter how big. Nightglow Diervilla performs excellently in foundation planting and can work as a low hedge. Alternatively, you can also grow it in containers.
During the summer, this plant will delight you with plenty of tiny yellow blooms, which will further increase the aesthetics of your garden. Bees and butterflies love to fly around these plants, meaning your garden will have more chances to stay healthy.
This shrub isn’t toxic to animals or humans. So, if you have kids or pets running around your garden, you shouldn’t worry too much about them munching on its leaves. Still, preventing them from doing so is always a good idea.
How to Care for Nightglow Diervilla
As we mentioned before, nightglow Diervilla is a hardy and versatile plant. If you learn about its needs and requirements (and know how to fulfill them), you shouldn’t have issues growing it.
But to make things easier, we collected everything you need to know about caring for a thriving Nightglow Diervilla in this essential guide.
Light
Plant your nightglow Diervilla in a location that receives between 4 and 6 hours of sunlight per day: the more, the better the foliage color. However, that also depends on your local climate conditions.
If you live in a warm region, exposing your plant to too much sun might cause discoloration. But don’t worry if your plant’s foliage intensifies in the fall: it is natural!
Water and Soil Needs
Nightglow Diervilla is a versatile shrub: it adapts to most soil conditions and climates. However, to get the most out of it, ensure you plant it in moist and well-draining soil. Ideally, the pH should be slightly acidic: this plant thrives at levels between 5.0 and 7.0. If unsure about your garden’s situation, you can always have a soil test.
To ensure your plant will adapt to your garden, you must water it thoroughly during the establishment phase. Doing so will ensure strong root development.
After that, this plant will tolerate short periods of drought and won’t need water more than once per week. To avoid root rot issues, don’t forget to always feel the soil with your fingers before adding extra moisture.
Temperature Requirements
This shrub is cold and hardy to zone 4. However, it might struggle at temperatures below 45°F. So, if you are expecting a cold winter, consider bringing your plant indoors or protecting it from the harsh temperatures. Besides that, nightglow Diervilla will adapt to most conditions.
Fertilizer
To get the most out of your plant (and boost its growth), we recommend the application of a suitable slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Keep in mind that the requirements of a potted plant will be different from those of a specimen you are growing on the ground.
So, ensure you pick a product suitable to your plant’s growing conditions. A balanced fertilizer is an ideal choice in this case! Don’t forget to follow the instructions you find on the product’s label to avoid issues.
Common Diseases
One of the best things about nightglow Diervilla is that the plant isn’t susceptible to most diseases and pests. Avoid overwatering, and you’ll save yourself from many headaches. Still, keep an eye on your plant. If you notice the presence of bugs, do all you can to eliminate them and prevent an infestation.
Nightglow Diervilla Propagation
If you like having more than one nightglow Diervilla in your garden (or wish to give one to your friends), don’t worry: it isn’t too challenging to propagate this plant.
You can collect seeds from its flowers and plant them in the spring or take cuttings from your plants and allow them to root in the ground (or in a suitable container). While the process isn’t rocket science, you must water your seedlings frequently and take good care of them during germination.
Related Article: Plants Suitable for Tall Narrow Pots