Diervilla Splendens ‘Diva’

This award-winning Diervilla sports handsome burgundy foliage throughout the season with clusters of contrasting sulphur-yellow, tubular flowers in summer. In autumn, the foliage colour intensifies to bright red and orange before falling. Diervilla splendens ‘Diva’ is a tough and reliable deciduous shrub that is especially useful in partially shaded borders and difficult soils. It requires virtually no maintenance and is drought tolerant once established, adapting to almost any situation. Diervilla ‘Diva’ spreads by suckers, quickly forming a bushy mound clothed in lance-shaped leaves. It makes a useful shrub for a mixed border where its chocolate foliage creates depth and provides a welcome change from the usual greens. It can also be used as a low hedge, as ground cover in massed plantings, or as a container specimen. The foliage makes an excellent filler for cut flower arrangements. Height and spread: 1.2m (4ft).