How to Grow Diervilla Kodiak Orange - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Diervilla kodiak orange is a hardy, compact shrub that is perfect for small spaces. This shrub is covered in orange flowers from summer to fall and its leaves turn a beautiful red in fall. Diervilla kodiak orange is deer resistant and drought tolerant, making it a low-maintenance shrub for any landscape.

How to Grow Diervilla Kodiak Orange - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Diervilla kodiak orang
  • Diervilla kodiak yellow
  • Diervilla kodiak gold
  • Diervilla kodiak crimson
  • Diervilla kodiak scarlet

Good to Know

  • Diervilla kodiak orange is a deciduous shrub that is native to Alaska.
  • It is a member of the honeysuckle family.
  • The shrub grows to a height of 4-6 feet and has a spread of 3-4 feet.
  • The leaves are dark green and have a leathery texture.
  • The flowers are orange or yellow and bloom in the summer.
  • The shrub is adaptable to different soil types but prefers well-drained soil.
  • It is tolerant of drought and salt spray.
  • The shrub is deer resistant.
  • The shrub can be propagated by seed or cuttings.
  • It is an excellent choice for a shrub border or foundation planting.

Related plant:
Kodiak Orange Diervilla

How to Grow

  1. For diervilla kodiak orange, first step is to find a location that gets full sun to part sun.
  2. The second step is to till the soil to a depth of about 12 inches.
  3. Then, you will need to add some organic matter to the soil.
  4. The third step is to take your diervilla kodiak orange plant and dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant's root ball.
  5. After you have done that, you will need to mix some organic matter with the backfill soil that you removed from the hole.
  6. The fourth step is to set the plant in the hole and fill it with the backfill soil mixture.
  7. The fifth step is to water the plant deeply and abundantly. (You should do this every day for the first week.)
  8. The sixth step is to apply a layer of mulch around the plant, but be sure to keep it away from the plant's stem.
  9. The seventh step is to fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
  10. The eighth and final step is to prune the plant in late winter or early spring.

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, diervilla kodiak orange can grow in well-drained soils with a high organic content. They also prefer full sun to partial shade but can tolerate more shade than other full sun loving plants. Diervilla are generally pest and disease free.

Light condition

Similar to other members of the Caprifoliaceae family, Diervilla kodiak orange can tolerate full sun to partial shade. It will flower best in full sun, but it can still flower in partial shade. The amount of sun required depends on the climate. In hot climates, Diervilla kodiak orange needs some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for growing Diervilla kodiak orange is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can also tolerate colder temperatures as long as they are not below freezing. It is important to keep the soil moist but not wet when growing this plant.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40-50%. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will start to wither and the flowers will drop off. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this plant does best with moderate levels of fertilizer. An application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is all that is needed to keep your Diervilla Kodiak Orange healthy and happy. However, like most plants, it will benefit from a little extra fertilizer during the active growth period in the summer. When it comes to root development, Diervilla Kodiak Orange has a very dense and strong root system that is perfect for holding onto slopes and areas prone to erosion.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Diervilla Kodiak Orange looking its best. The plant can be pruned in early spring, before new growth begins, or in late summer, after the plant has finished blooming. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You should also thin out the plant, removing any branches that are overcrowded or growing in an undesired direction.

The Propagation

Propagation of Diervilla Kodiak Orange is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Be sure to use a sharp knife or pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Stick the cutting into a well-drained potting mix and water it in well. Place the pot in a bright spot out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks. Once the roots are established, you can transplant the new plant into a larger pot or into the garden.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, average to moist soil. The Kodiak Orange Diervilla is a showy, low-growing, deciduous shrub with an upright mounded form. Clusters of brilliant orange flowers top the plant in late spring to early summer. The small, deeply veined, oval leaves are dark green and turn yellow in fall. This easy to grow shrub is ideal for mass plantings, borders, and foundation plantings. It is heat and drought tolerant once established.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are powdery mildew, root rot, and rust. These can be caused by different things such as too much moisture, not enough light, or too much humidity. To prevent these problems, it is important to water the plant regularly, give it plenty of light, and keep the humidity levels low.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to water your Diervilla Kodiak Orange regularly, especially when the weather is hot or dry.
  • Place your Diervilla Kodiak Orange in a spot where it will receive plenty of sunlight.
  • Be sure to fertilize your Diervilla Kodiak Orange every few weeks during the growing season.
  • Pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage fuller growth.
  • When the plant becomes too large, you can prune it back to encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests or diseases and treat accordingly.
  • Keep the area around your Diervilla Kodiak Orange free from weeds.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to provide some protection for your plant.
  • You can propagate Diervilla Kodiak Orange by taking stem cuttings in late summer.
  • Enjoy the beautiful orange flowers your Dierv

Substitution

  • Diervilla rivularis ( mountain bush
  • Diervilla glaucescens ( mountain bush
  • Diervilla splendens ( mountain bush
  • Diervilla riparia ( northern bush
  • Diervilla fargesii ( northern bush
  • Diervilla racemosa ( northern bush
  • Diervilla lonicera baselloides ( northern bush
  • Diervilla lonicera ( northern bush
  • Diervilla daucifolia ( northern bush
  • Diervilla connata ( northern bush

Source:
Diervilla sessilifolia - North Carolina State University
International Student Application and Pre-Enrolment Form - Orange …
Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) - Carleton College

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category