‘Wine and Roses’ Weigela

‘Variegata’ weigela

Weigela (Weigela florida) is old-fashioned shrub with rose colored blooms and arching branching habit in mid-spring. This shrub is native from Japan, Korea, and China (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). New hybrids of weigelas are arriving at garden centers this spring. Compared to previous cultivars that were 6-9 feet tall,  new introductions grow only 2-5 feet high. Some new weigelas flaunt flashy variegated foliage. Flower color choices include red, lavender, pink, and white and open in mid-spring. Blooms attract bees, butterflies, and an occasional hummingbird.

Weigelas can be planted anytime from spring thru early fall in full to partially sunny sites. Foliage of dwarf varieties tend to burn in full sunlight in southern climes. Shrubs bloom heavier in high light. Plants grow in any average soil, but do prefer a compost-rich well-drained site. During their first year or two after planting, irrigate during dry periods when weekly rainfall amounts are less than one inch. Feed weigelas in early spring with a slow-release shrub fertilizer such as Osmocote™ or Nutrikote™.

Prune away winter dieback before or immediately following spring bloom. All other pruning should be done soon after flowers fade. Summer or fall pruning reduces bloom next spring. Weigelas have very few disease and insect problems.

Utilize weigelas with purple foliage as accent plants with green and white variegated leaf cultivars. Dwarf forms, some only 1-2 feet tall, My Monet™ or Fine Wine™) are wonderful mixed together with perennials or annuals  in large containers or in garden beds.

Some Cultivars to try:

Crimson Kisses™ – 3 foot tall rounded shape covered with dark, lipstick-red flowers kissed with a white eye.

‘Minuet’ – 2 to 3 foot tall and wide with purplish-green foliage and red and lavender blooms flowers.

My Monet (‘Verweig’) – cream, pink and green variegation on a dwarf (18 inches tall and 2 feet wide) plant; pink blooms open in late spring; partial sun preferred.

Midnight Wine (‘Elvera’) – purple foliage and pink flowers, a uniquely dwarf 8-10 inch tall and almost 1 ½ feet wide shrub in a mound.

‘Polka’ – a compact, 3-5 feet plant with thick dark green foliage. Its flowers are a rich velvety two-toned pink with a yellow throat.

Wine & Roses (‘Alexandra’) – burgundy foliage and rose-pink flowers in late spring; grows 4-5 feet tall.

‘Red Prince’ – red flowers, dark green foliage and arching stems; 5-6 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide; occasional secondary bloom in late summer.

‘Variegata’ – 6 feet tall, deep pink flowers, green leaves with a creamy white edge.