Kodiak Jet Black® Diervilla (Diervilla hybrid 'Kodiak Jet Black®')

The World's First Jet-Black Foliage Diervilla with Brilliant Yellow Blooms

Plant Overview

Common Name: Kodiak Jet Black® Diervilla
Botanical Name:Diervilla hybrid 'Kodiak Jet Black®'
Plant Type: Deciduous Shrub
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Native Heritage: Hybrid derived from North American native species
Hardiness Zones: 3–8

Kodiak Jet Black® is a groundbreaking introduction for 2026 and the first Diervilla to feature dramatic jet-black foliage that maintains its rich color from spring until frost. Unlike many dark-leaved shrubs that fade during summer heat, this exceptional cultivar holds its deep velvety-black foliage throughout the growing season, creating spectacular contrast with clusters of bright golden-yellow flowers in summer.

With outstanding cold hardiness, exceptional disease resistance, and strong pollinator appeal, Kodiak Jet Black® is an exciting addition to both modern and naturalistic landscapes.

Quick Facts

• Height: 3–4 feet

• Spread: 3–4 feet

• Plant Type: Deciduous Shrub

• Bloom Time: Summer

• Flower Color: Bright Yellow

• Foliage Color: Jet Black

• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun

• Water Needs: Average

• Maintenance: Low

• Growth Habit: Dense, Rounded

• Native Heritage: Yes

• Pollinator Friendly: Excellent

Growing Conditions

Light

Kodiak Jet Black® performs best in:

• Full Sun

• Partial Sun

• At least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily

More sunlight encourages the richest black foliage color and strongest flowering display.

Soil

Adaptable to many soil types including:

• Average garden soil

• Loam

• Clay

• Sandy soils

• Well-drained garden beds

This shrub tolerates heavier soils better than many ornamental shrubs.

Water

Once established, Kodiak Jet Black® is highly adaptable.

• Average moisture

• Moderate drought tolerance

• Water regularly during the first growing season

Flower Characteristics

Clusters of cheerful yellow flowers appear throughout summer, creating a dramatic contrast against the nearly black foliage.

Flower Features

• Bright golden-yellow blooms

• Summer flowering

• Excellent nectar source

• Long-lasting display

• Highly attractive to pollinators

Foliage Characteristics

The foliage is the defining feature of this remarkable shrub.

Foliage Features

• Rich jet-black foliage

• Holds color from spring through frost

• Velvety leaf texture

• Outstanding landscape contrast

• Excellent cut foliage for floral arrangements

Its dramatic foliage provides season-long color, even when the plant is not in bloom.

Pollinator & Wildlife Benefits

Kodiak Jet Black® is a valuable wildlife shrub.

Attracts

• Bees

• Butterflies

• Hummingbirds

• Native Pollinators

As a hybrid of North American native bush honeysuckles, it supports beneficial insects while adding ornamental beauty.

Garden Uses

Kodiak Jet Black® brings bold texture and dramatic color to many landscape styles.

Recommended Uses

• Foundation Plantings

• Mixed Shrub Borders

• Pollinator Gardens

• Modern Landscapes

• Cottage Gardens

• Native Plant Gardens

• Mass Plantings

• Informal Hedges

• Specimen Plantings

• Botanical Collections

• Cut Foliage Gardens

Its black foliage makes it an outstanding companion for plants with silver, gold, lime-green, or burgundy foliage.

Companion Plants

At 19 Birch Lane, Kodiak Jet Black® pairs beautifully with:

• Limelight Hydrangea

• Russian Sage

• Catmint (Nepeta)

• Coneflowers (Echinacea)

• Ornamental Grasses

• Ninebark

• Yellow Daylilies

• White Garden Phlox

• Panicle Hydrangeas

• Gold Thread Cypress

Care & Maintenance

Kodiak Jet Black® is exceptionally easy to grow.

Maintenance Tips

• Plant in full sun for best foliage color

• Water regularly during establishment

• Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer

• Little pruning required

• Rejuvenation pruning every 3–5 years encourages vigorous new growth

Its naturally compact habit keeps maintenance to a minimum.

Why We Grow It at 19 Birch Lane

At 19 Birch Lane, Kodiak Jet Black® represents the exciting future of ornamental shrubs. Its unique black foliage provides dramatic contrast throughout the growing season while bright yellow flowers bring pollinators into the garden during summer.

As we continue expanding our botanical collections, plants that combine outstanding ornamental value, wildlife benefits, and exceptional garden performance are an important part of our vision. Kodiak Jet Black® is destined to become one of the signature shrubs in our landscape.

Problems

Kodiak Jet Black® is known for excellent garden performance.

Benefits

• Disease resistant

• Cold hardy

• Clay tolerant

• Heat tolerant

• Adaptable

• Low maintenance

Very few insect or disease problems have been reported.

Plant Finder Details

Botanical Name:Diervilla hybrid 'Kodiak Jet Black®'
Common Name: Kodiak Jet Black® Diervilla
Plant Type: Deciduous Shrub
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Zones: 3–8
Height: 3–4 feet
Spread: 3–4 feet
Bloom Time: Summer
Flower Color: Bright Yellow
Foliage Color: Jet Black
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Water Requirements: Average
Maintenance: Low
Growth Habit: Dense, Rounded
Native Heritage: Hybrid of North American native species
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Pollinator Friendly: Yes

Botanical Garden Notes

Kodiak Jet Black® showcases how modern plant breeding can introduce entirely new ornamental characteristics while preserving the toughness and adaptability of native species. As the world's first truly jet-black Diervilla, it provides unmatched foliage contrast from spring through fall and demonstrates the exciting evolution of landscape shrubs for northern gardens.

Kodiak Jet Black® Diervilla (Diervilla hybrid 'Kodiak Jet Black®')

The World's First Jet-Black Foliage Diervilla with Brilliant Yellow Blooms