mountain bush honeysuckle

Mountain bush honeysuckle (Diervilla rivularis 'Morton' SUMMER STARS) should be watered regularly throughout the active growing season (May to September) to make sure the soil stays moist but not soggy. Water the plant at least once a week with 1-2 inches (2.54-5.08 cm) of water. During very hot summer months, it may be necessary to water more frequently. Pay close attention to the soil moisture level and water when it feels just barely dry to the touch, but not parched. Make sure to keep the leaves dry when watering. Over-watering can potentially lead to root rot so be careful not to overwater and provide proper drainage. In the winter time, the plant should be watered only when the soil has completely dried out.

Mountain bush honeysuckle (Diervilla rivularis 'Morton' SUMMER STARS) thrives in full sun to part shade, but thrives best when provided with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It does not require an exact amount of sunlight as long as its needs are met. The best time for this plant to receive direct sunlight is during the peak hours of the day (around 10am to 4pm). This plant is also capable of dealing with higher temperatures in the summer months, but should be avoided from getting too cold in the winter.

Mountain bush honeysuckle (Diervilla rivularis 'Morton' SUMMER STARS) should be pruned once a year during the winter months (January-March), preferably before new growth begins in the spring. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches first, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Prune the remaining branches by cutting them back to an outward-facing bud or branch. Avoid pruning more than 1-third of the total foliage as this may cause the plant to become too open and airy. Prune to shape the plant to a desired size and form. These plants generally do not need to be pruned for size but instead can be lightly shaped to improve the plant's health and aesthetics.