Northern bush honeysuckle

Although it is usually known and marketed as dwarf bush honeysuckle, diervilla is quite a different thing entirely and should be treated as such. There are three species, with Diervilla lonicera being the best known in the nursery trade. It is native to Canada from Saskatchewan eastward.

While it does tend to prefer dry, sandy and acidic soils it is highly adaptable to a wide variety of sites and soils. They are rhizomatous spreaders, which makes them great for filling in large areas and not so great for a confined space. If you're looking for a great shrub for a dry acreage, this might be a great choice for you. Given it's tendancy to form thickets without becoming invasive elsewhere, it's also useful for erosion control.

They prefer sun over shade but are extremely adaptable and forgiving, making them great shrubs for beginners who have the space/preference for a freely suckering plant.

The simple, handsome leaves of diervilla often take on significant (and attractive) tones of copper or bronze in the fall, and frequently on the new growth as well. The flowers are yellow and quite tiny, not generally noticed unless you are looking closely for them.  Height is usually around 2-4 ft, but they can be taller on occasion.

A few variegated cultivars exist, including the very beautiful ‘Cool Splash’, but thus far most of these are lacking in hardiness and vigor of the native species. They may be worth trying if you have a more protected space.

Diervilla is hardy to zone 3, has no pest or disease problems, and is little utilized in the prairie landscape. It deserves wider recognition.