Origin
Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl. var. rivularis (Gattinger) Ahles, commonly known as Southern Bush Honeysuckle, is a shrub that belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. It is native to the southeastern region of the United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. It can also be found in some areas of the Appalachian Mountains.
Common Names
The Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl. var. rivularis is known by several other common names, including:
- Southern Bush Honeysuckle
- Mountain Bush Honeysuckle
- Rivularis Bush Honeysuckle
Uses
The Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl. var. rivularis has several uses, including:
- Ornamental Plant: The shrub's small yellow flowers attract pollinators, and its red fall foliage adds to its aesthetic appeal.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant is an important source of food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
- Soil Conservation: The shrub's extensive root system helps reduce soil erosion, making it an ideal plant for erosion-prone areas.
- Medicinal: Some Native American tribes used the plant's bark and leaves to treat various ailments, including fevers and inflammation. However, it should be noted that the plant's medicinal properties have not been extensively researched.
General Appearance
The Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl. var. rivularis is a multi-stemmed shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It has small, oval-shaped leaves that are arranged opposite each other on the stem. The leaves are dark green in color and turn red in the fall. The plant produces small, yellow tubular flowers that are about 1/4 inch in diameter. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches and bloom from May to July. The plant's fruit is a small, dry capsule that contains numerous seeds. The shrub prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirements
Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl. var. rivularis (Gattinger) Ahles typically thrives in bright, filtered light or partial shade conditions. It can tolerate a small amount of direct sunlight, but too much direct sunlight can harm the plant and stunt its growth. In general, a shady spot protected from the harsh midday sun is the best for this plant to grow optimally.
Temperature Requirements
The Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl. var. rivularis (Gattinger) Ahles prefers a cool and temperate climate with moderate variations in temperature. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 2-7 with temperature ranges between -38°C to 29°C (-36.4°F to 84.2°F). However, it is important to protect the plant from frost damage during winter months.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 - 6.5. The soil should be enriched with organic matter like compost or humus, which helps with moisture retention and promotes healthy root growth. Avoid planting this species in soils with high salinity or alkalinity levels, as this can negatively impact plant growth.
Cultivation
Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl. var. rivularis (Gattinger) Ahles prefers to grow in well-drained, moist soil with partial to full sunlight. It is a hardy shrub that is adaptable to various soil types, but prefers slightly acidic soils. It is a low maintenance plant that is easy to cultivate in gardens, meadows, and natural areas. The best time to plant this shrub is in spring or fall.
Watering Needs
Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl. var. rivularis (Gattinger) Ahles requires regular watering during the first year of planting to ensure its roots are established. Afterward, watering the shrub once a week is enough, unless there are extended periods of drought. During hot, dry summers, water the shrub every 3-4 days, keeping the soil moist, but not saturated. Water the plant in the early morning or late evening to prevent water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization
Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl. var. rivularis (Gattinger) Ahles does not require excessive fertilization. A balanced slow-release fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 is adequate once or twice a year. Apply fertilizer during the early growing season or in early fall when the plant has finished blooming. Avoid applying fertilizer during dormancy or late fall, as it may stimulate new growth that can damage the plant during winter.
Pruning
Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl. var. rivularis (Gattinger) Ahles needs minimal pruning. In general, prune the plant with sharp and clean cutting tools in early spring before new growth starts. Cut 1/3 of the oldest stems to the ground to stimulate new growth. After flowering, prune the tips of the new shoots to encourage branching and a fuller plant. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased stems throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl. var. rivularis (Gattinger) Ahles
Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl. var. rivularis (Gattinger) Ahles, commonly known as Northern Bush Honeysuckle, can be propagated through two methods- seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds need to be harvested in the fall when the flowers have turned brown and are beginning to dry. The dried seed pods can be collected, and the seeds can be removed and dried. Once dried, the seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until ready for planting.
Seeds need to be stratified before planting, which means they need to be exposed to cold temperatures to break the dormancy of the seed coat. One way to stratify seeds is to sow them in pots or flats in the fall, and then place them inside a cold frame to allow them to go through the winter season. By the following spring, the seeds should have germinated, and the seedlings can be planted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken in the late summer and early fall. Select a healthy branch with no flowers or buds. Cut the branch at a 45-degree angle using a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears. Once the cutting is harvested, remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the tip.
The cuttings can be planted into a container filled with a well-draining soil mixture. To encourage root development, place the container in a shaded area and keep it consistently moist. After about a month, the cuttings should have developed roots, and they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl. var. rivularis (Gattinger) Ahles
Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl. var. rivularis (Gattinger) Ahles is generally hardier than other cultivars of Diervilla species, but it is still susceptible to some diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot Disease: The foliage of Diervilla sessilifolia Buckl. var. rivularis (Gattinger) Ahles is prone to fungal leaf spot diseases. Infected leaves will have circular, grayish-brown spots with darker centers. To manage this, it is essential to improve air circulation and keep the leaves as dry as possible. If the infection is severe, it is recommended to remove the affected leaves and destroy them to prevent further spread.
Powdery Mildew: This disease is characterized by a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. It is prevalent in humid and warm climates. To manage this, spray the plant with a solution of water and neem oil or make a solution from a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of dish soap in a gallon of water. Spray this solution on the plant weekly until the disease goes away.
Pests
Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and excrete a sticky, sweet substance called honeydew, which can lead to the growth of a black fungus known as sooty mold. To manage this, spray the plant with a cold water blast to knock them off from the leaves, or spray with a solution of water and neem oil.
Spider mites: These arachnids are known to infest the undersides of the plant's leaves, causing discoloration and premature leaf drop. To manage this, spray the plant frequently with water to increase humidity and remove the webbing from the leaves. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
Scale insects: These pests appear like tiny, immobile bumps on the plant's leaves and stems. They feed on the sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and premature leaf drop. To manage this, scrape off the scales from the plant manually. You can also use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
Proper cultural practices like pruning, watering, and fertilizing the plant correctly can help in avoiding these diseases and pests. Indeed, monitoring your plants frequently and catching the problem early will typically lead to satisfactory outcomes with a minimum amount of damage.
