Weigela 'Olympiade' BRIANT RUBIDOR
   
Tried and True Recommended by 1 Professional
Common Name: weigela
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Garden Location: Lang Family Bird Garden
Height: 5 to 8 feet
Spread: 7 to 9 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Description: Red
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Colorful
Wildlife: Attracts Hummingbirds
Tolerates: Clay Soil
Uses: Hedge

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Needs full sun for best flowering, but will tolerate very light shade. Prune to shape after flowering.

Noteworthy Characteristics

A densely rounded, deciduous shrub growing 5-8' tall with a slightly larger spread. Primarily grown for its elliptic to obovate, soft chartreuse foliage (to 4" long) and its profuse, funnel-shaped, deep red flowers. Bloom occurs singly or in clusters along the branches of the previous year's growth, frequently covering the entire shrub with flowers in June-July, with a less showy, intermittent repeat bloom sometimes occurring throughout the remaining summer. 'Olympiade' is synonymous with 'Rubidor'.

Plant of Merit

A densely rounded shrub, ‘Olympiad’ grows to 5-8 feet tall with a slightly larger spread. Unlike common weigela, this selection features outstanding chartreuse leaves which provide a striking contrast with the profuse funnel-shaped deep red blooms that typically cover the foliage in June and July. Scattered repeat bloom occurs throughout summer. Best foliage color and flowering is achieved in full sun.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Effective when grouped in the shrub border. Also useful as a screen, hedge, background or foundation plant. Unusual chartreuse foliage gives this weigela good specimen or accent value.