New GardenGenetics diervilla wins Gold Medal at Plantarium

Commercial plant breeding company GardenGenetics' Kodiak Mixx Diervilla (Diervilla x splendens ‘G2X88544VAR’) won the Gold Medal in the “Best Novelty” category of the recent Green Retail Awards at Plantarium, the largest garden plant show in the Netherlands.

Kodiak Mixx, a newly introduced diervilla, produces a colorful mix of green variegated leaves with a creamy white margin, brightened with spectacular young pink shoots that appear all season long. The plant produces soft yellow flowers from early summer through fall, attracting bees and other pollinators.

Kodiak Mixx Diervilla is not currently available in North America and is an initial release to the EU only via Valkplant, located in Boskoop, the Netherlands.

The Valkplant team saw the potential and retail appeal of Kodiak Mixx Diervilla, and after pinpointing propagation protocol, entered it into the Green Retail Awards contest. Independent expert judges of the Koninklijke Vereniging voor Boskoopse Culturen (Royal Boskoop Horticultural Society) unanimously agreed to award Kodiak Mixx Diervilla the Gold Medal.

“This diervilla is colorful and has a stable shape, making it innovative in the diervilla range,” the jury’s report said. “The plant has a good bushy growth habit and is neatly presented, without burnt foliage. It boasts a beautiful, colorful mixture of green variegated leaves with creamy white edges and attractive pinkish red shoots.”

Kodiak Mixx Diervilla, a sport of Kodiak Orange Diervilla, was found during production at Spring Meadow Nursery. Dr. Michael Uchneat developed Kodiak Orange Diervilla during his employment with GardenGenetics.

Ideal for landscape beds and borders, Kodiak Mixx Diervilla thrives in sun but also tolerates shady and dry areas. The plant reaches 36 to 48 inches tall, with a similar spread. Vibrant fall color adds to its appeal, as does its deer resistance. Kodiak Mixx Diervilla is hardy to USDA zone 6.

“We’re delighted that the jury agrees with us that Kodiak Mixx Diervilla is a fantastic addition to the gardening world,” said Rick Grazzini, plant breeder and executive director of GardenGenetics. “It was a lovely surprise that Spring Meadow Nursery found this sport, and it makes a terrific addition to our offerings. Kodiak Mixx is a gorgeous, glorious diervilla, and we’re grateful for the Gold Medal recognition of its unique qualities.”