Diervilla 'Mountaineer Merlot'
Diervilla 'Mountaineer Merlot' is a compact native shrub valued for its rich burgundy foliage and clusters of bright yellow flowers that appear throughout summer. The colorful leaves provide season long interest while the blooms attract pollinators, making it an excellent choice for low maintenance landscapes and native garden designs.
Height & Spread: 2 - 3 ft x 2 - 3 ft
Bloom Time: Summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Average well drained soil; adaptable to a wide range of conditions
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
'Mountaineer Merlot' is a selection of a North American native bush honeysuckle species. It provides many of the ecological benefits associated with native shrubs while offering improved foliage color and a compact garden friendly habit.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts a variety of butterflies including Eastern Tiger Swallowtails and Painted Ladies which visit the nectar rich yellow flowers throughout summer.
Bees
- Supports native bees, bumblebees, and honeybees which forage among the abundant blooms.
Birds
- Provides valuable cover and nesting habitat for songbirds while contributing structure to wildlife friendly landscapes.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 2 - 3 ft apart when mass planting or allow 3 - 4 ft between plants for individual specimens.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for foundation plantings, native borders, slopes, and pollinator gardens where its dark foliage creates contrast against green and flowering companions.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Adds upright texture and seasonal color that complements the deep burgundy foliage.
- Pycnanthemum muticum (Mountain Mint) - Provides a long lasting pollinator display and soft silver green foliage contrast.
- Amsonia hubrichtii (Threadleaf Bluestar) - Contributes fine textured foliage and brilliant golden fall color.
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' (Purple Coneflower) - Offers bold summer flowers that pair beautifully with the yellow blooms and dark foliage.
- Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' (Switchgrass) - Brings strong vertical structure and movement to mixed shrub borders.