With its clusters of bright yellow tubular flowers atop burgundy stems festooned with green-red-purple leaves, 'El Madrigal' does indeed sing in a mixed shrub border or small hedge. It is perhaps most dramatic during its spring to early summer blooming cycle, but its large, ovate, colorful leaves draw attention throughout the growing season. And in the fall, the leaves turn an even deeper reddish purple before the plant goes dormant for the winter. Nightglow is a striking cultivar of the deciduous Bush Honeysuckle that is also more compact than its parent, distinguished by its neat mounding to upright habit. It is easy to grow for any gardener, not to mention that it tolerates clay soil, drought, and even deer.
Conditions: Full sun; moist, well-drained humusy loams
Size: 2’-3’ tall, 2’-3’ spread
Zone: 4 - 8
Wildlife Value: Tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators
Photos: F Delventhal