Bush Honeysuckle, Diervilla splendens 'Diva El Madrigal'

Planting Advice for Diervilla splendens 'El Madrigal' Diva:

• Pot-grown shrubs can be planted at any time of the year as long as the soil is not waterlogged or frozen. If in doubt, err towards spring but remember to keep pots well-watered so that the soil does not dry out.
• Shrub roots generally tend to spread out rather than down, so dig a planting hole 3 x wider than the roots of the shrub you're planting and mix some well-rotted compost or manure with the soil from the hole and use this to re-fill one the shrub is in place.
• Before planting soak container-grown shrubs thoroughly and allow to drain.
• Remove your Diervilla from its pot and tease out a few of the roots.
• Add Mycorrhizal fungi to the roots when planting to help plants establish quicker.
• Place your shrub in the hole at the same level at the pot.
• Refill the hole with the earth removed (backfilling) then firm in the soil with your heel, avoiding the root ball.
• Water well and mulch around the base of the plant with a collar, compost, gravel, bark etc.

Aftercare Advice for your American Bush Honeysuckle:

• If you’re planting in spring or summer, water 'El Madrigal' Diva well and regularly for the first few months.
• Once planted, keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for the first couple of growing seasons.
• Apply a generous layer of mulch around the base of the plant after planting and thereafter annually.

Pruning Advice for Diervilla 'El Madrigal' Diva':

• To prune, cut back to a low, permanent framework each spring as the buds are beginning to swell, removing any branches that are dead, damaged or diseased.