Diervilla splendens Diva

Diervilla splendens 'Diva' is a brand new compact variety of diervilla with purple foliage that will maintain its colour throughout the summer season, before turning crimson and violet in autumn. A large deciduous ground cover shrub, suckering, this close relative of weigela thrives in shade and blooms in summer, with clusters of sulphur-yellow flowers that stand out against its dark foliage. It will be ideal for covering unsightly areas in your garden, in dry shade where nothing else grows.

Diervilla x splendens is a horticultural hybrid, resulting from the cross-breeding between two species native to the United States: D. sessilifolia and D. lonicera. The 'Diva' cultivar, introduced in the USA in 2016, differs from them with its more moderate growth and purple foliage. This suckering shrub, belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family, has a spreading and diverging habit, dense and effective at covering the ground. At maturity, it will reach a height of 80 cm (31.5 in) and a width of 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in), with lateral growth that is quite easy to control by removing suckers or planting other vigorous woodland plants alongside. Its foliage consists of ovate, elongated leaves with pointed tips. The leaves are purple with red undersides from spring to summer, and then turn reddish to violet in autumn. Its summer flowering, appreciated by pollinating insects, takes place in July-August. Its pale yellow flowers, grouped in clusters, will bloom on the previous year's wood, with a lovely red colour. This Diervilla will provide you with abundant flowering, even in shaded areas and in the roots of trees where it particularly thrives. The vibrant and contrasting colours bring a lot of personality to the whole ensemble.

A low-maintenance ground cover, it is suitable for all exposures and all types of soil without excessive limestone. It has only one requirement, which is to have well-drained soil. Its small size makes it ideal for small gardens, enclosed spaces, or steep slopes. It retains and stabilises dunes or slopes thanks to its suckers (underground stems carrying roots). It is also an ideal choice for filling a woodland area. It will work very well in a rose garden or in association with medium-sized perennials such as Nepetas and shrubs with stems.

This shrub was brought back from the Arcadia region during Sieur de Dierville's trip in 1850.