Diervilla lonicera, also known as bush honeysuckle, does indeed spread readily. This plant has a unique way of expanding its territory through its stoloniferous roots, which allows it to form clonal stands. This means that the plant can send out long, horizontal stems called stolons that grow above or just below the surface of the soil. These stolons then produce new plants at their nodes, resulting in a dense and interconnected network of plants.
I have personally observed the spreading nature of Diervilla lonicera in my own garden. When I first planted a single Diervilla lonicera shrub, I did not anticipate how quickly it would multiply. Within a few years, I noticed new shoots emerging from the ground around the original plant. These shoots eventually developed into mature shrubs, creating a thick and lush area of Diervilla lonicera in my garden.
One of the advantages of this spreading behavior is that it makes Diervilla lonicera an excellent plant for creating a natural hedge or border. By allowing the plants to spread and fill in the space, you can achieve a dense and visually appealing barrier. This can be particularly useful for creating privacy or separating different areas of your garden.
If you are interested in propagating Diervilla lonicera, you can also do so from seed. In late fall, when the seed capsules have dried and turned dark brown, you can collect the seeds for planting. To do this, I recommend gently removing the capsules from the plant and allowing them to fully dry. Once dry, you can open the capsules to collect the small seeds within. These seeds can then be sown in a suitable growing medium, such as a well-draining potting mix, and kept moist until they germinate.
In my experience, growing Diervilla lonicera from seed can be a rewarding process. Watching the tiny seedlings emerge and develop into mature plants is a satisfying journey. However, it’s important to note that the resulting plants may not necessarily have the exact characteristics of the parent plant, as there can be some natural variation in seed-grown individuals.
Diervilla lonicera does spread readily through its stoloniferous roots, forming clonal stands. This spreading behavior can be advantageous for creating natural hedges or borders in your garden. Additionally, the plant can also be grown from seed, which can be collected in late fall when the seed capsules have dried. Growing Diervilla lonicera from seed can be a rewarding experience, although it’s important to keep in mind that there may be some natural variation among seed-grown individuals.
