Diervilla 'Mountaineer Calico Red'
Diervilla 'Mountaineer Calico Red' is a hardy native shrub valued for its deep red new foliage that matures to a rich green with burgundy highlights through the season. In summer it produces clusters of small yellow tubular flowers that contrast strongly against the dark foliage, creating a long season of color and pollinator interest. Its adaptable nature and dense habit make it a strong choice for low maintenance landscapes and erosion control plantings.
Height & Spread: 3 - 4 ft x 3 - 4 ft
Bloom Time: Early to midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Adaptable; tolerates poor, dry, and rocky soils
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This selection is derived from Diervilla lonicera, a shrub native to eastern North America, and retains strong ecological value for native landscapes and restoration plantings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Attracts native bees and bumblebees which visit the tubular flowers for nectar throughout the summer bloom period.
Butterflies
- Draws a variety of butterflies including skippers and swallowtails which are attracted to its abundant nectar rich blooms.
Hummingbirds
- Frequently visited by hummingbirds which feed on the tubular flowers especially during peak summer bloom.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 3 - 4 ft apart to allow full shrub development and natural spreading habit.
Landscape Placement
- Well suited for mass plantings, slopes, erosion control, and naturalized borders where its tough adaptable nature and seasonal color can stand out.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Adds upright native grass texture and strong seasonal color contrast.
- Rudbeckia hirta (Black Eyed Susan) - Extends bright yellow seasonal interest that echoes the shrub’s summer flowers.
- Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' (Goldenrod) - Provides late season bloom and strong pollinator support.
- Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass) - Adds vertical structure and movement in mixed plantings.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Brings long lasting summer blooms and strong wildlife value.