What soil does Southern bush honeysuckle grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, calcareous.

Is Southern bush honeysuckle hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Southern bush honeysuckle be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Southern bush honeysuckle be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 1 m between plants. For a hedge, allow 2 plants per metre.

When does Southern bush honeysuckle flower?

Flowering: June–August, yellow.

How much water does Southern bush honeysuckle need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Southern bush honeysuckle cost?

It sells for roughly €3.70 to €14 in local shops, depending on size.

Southern bush honeysuckle

Diervilla sessilifolia

Southern bush honeysuckle (Diervilla sessilifolia) is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €3.70.

Illustration of Southern bush honeysuckle — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low, tough deciduous shrub that spreads slowly by suckers and grows in almost any soil, taking drought and even dry shade under trees, so it is useful on banks, for covering larger areas or as a low informal hedge. In summer it bears small clusters of sulphur-yellow, honeysuckle-like flowers; new growth is bronze and the leaves can turn reddish in autumn. Besides 'Butterfly', the bronze-leaved Diervilla × splendens hybrids (such as the Kodiak series) and Diervilla rivularis 'Honeybee' are used the same way, but they are separate species. The suckers form a dense patch: chop them off with a spade where they are not wanted, and you can cut the whole shrub back hard in early spring.

Watch out for

It has no serious pests or diseases; leaf spot, powdery mildew and aphids can occur. It forms a dense colony by suckers and will grow in among neighbouring perennials in a small bed, so contain it with an edging or by removing suckers regularly. It does not tolerate waterlogged, airless clay or road salt. In deep shade it flowers less and the coloured-leaf forms turn green. Autumn colour is not reliable every year.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.2 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–August, yellow

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	1.2 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	0.9–1.5 m × 0.9–1.5 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–August, yellow
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	100 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €3.70

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
30-40 cm	approx. €7.80
60-80 cm	approx. €3.70
size not stated	approx. €4.20 – €14

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Shrubs for part shade Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant shrubs Hedge plants Shrubs for pollinators Low-maintenance shrubs Flowering shrubs Fragrant plants Fragrant shrubs

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