Culture
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerant of clay soils. Needs full sun for best flowering and foliage color, but will tolerate some light shade or sun dappled shade. Prune to shape if needed immediately after flowering. Propagate by stem cuttings.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Weigela florida is native to northern China, Korea and Japan. It is a dense, rounded, deciduous shrub that typically grows to 6-10’ tall and may spread over time to as much as 12’ wide. Branching is somewhat coarse, and branches on mature shrubs tend to arch toward the ground. Funnel-shaped, rose pink flowers (each to 1.25” long) bloom profusely in spring, with a sparse and scattered repeat bloom often occurring in mid to late summer. Elliptic to obovate, medium green leaves (to 4.5” long) with serrate margins retain good color throughout the growing season. Insignificant fall color. Fruit is inconspicuous. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds.
The genus name Weigela honors Christian Ehrenfried Weigel (1748-1831), German professor at the University of Geifswald.
The specific epithet florida means "freely flowering", in reference to the flowering habit of this species.
‘Elvera’, commonly sold under the trade name of MIDNIGHT WINE, is a dwarf version of the popular Weigela ‘Wine and Roses'. It features profuse reddish-pink flowers and burgundy-purple foliage. U.S. Plant Patent #12,217 issued November 20, 2001.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Good flowering and foliage plant for small spaces. Specimen, group or mass for foregrounds of perennial or shrub borders. Also effective as a low hedge. May be incorporated into a foundation planting.