Plant Profile: Cool Splash Diervilla

Perhaps you are familiar with the original Northern Diervilla (Diervilla lonicera).  It is a true workhorse used for erosion prevention and site reclamation and is hardy to northern Saskatchewan.  It is native to North America, and is commonly found in cool, moist woodlands.

Cool Splash is a variegated form of Diervilla sessilifolia.  Clusters of yellow trumpets cover bright, variegated foliage in May and June.  Cool Splash is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that prefers part shade and moist, well-drained soils but will tolerate drought conditions when established.  In ideal conditions it may form some underground suckers, creating a denser bush over time, but it never becomes invasive.  More important than the ornamental attributes is the plant's versatility and adaptability to harsh growing conditions.  It is so easy to grow it could turn a "brown" thumb "green" (with white variegation)!

As a native to wooded areas, Cool Splash Diervilla should be planted with other shade loving plants.  Try it under a canopy of mature pines or oaks with a serviceberry or white fringetree filling in the mid-story layer.  It looks great in front of the dark foliage of viburnums, witch hazels, and oakleaf hydrangeas.  Plant Siberian iris or feather reed grass for vertical accent, astilbe or coral bells for a punch of color, and boxwood or yews for winter green and you have a winning woodland border!  Stop in and ask the staff at Finke Gardens for more unique planting ideas!