Pink-rose-colored flowers really stand out when displayed against the dark glossy foliage of Weigela Wine & Roses. Photo by Tim Wood, Spring Meadow Nursery

Weigela florida
Weigela florida is valued for its use as a specimen plant or border plant. Urge consumers and landscape professionals to plant it around windows so its abundant pink flowers can be admired each spring. The deciduous shrub reaches 6-10 feet high and wide; newer cultivars often grow more compactly. Leaf color is medium-green in summer, turning brownish in fall. Leaf arrangement is simple, and leaves measure 2 1/2-4 inches long and half as wide. Variegation is bland compared to many other plants. Flowers come in various shades of rose and pink, depending on cultivar. They are very abundant and showy. Blossoms are usually funnel shaped and more than an inch long in clusters of up to three, appearing in late spring and early summer.	SPECIFICS: Name: Weigela florida Common name: Weigela. Family: Caprifoliaceae. Description: Small, erect, deciduous shrub with arching branches. Flowers profusely in spring. Moderate to fast growth rate; low maintenance. Conditions: Full sun or partial shade. Any good, well-draining soil. Dimensions: The species reaches 6-10 feet high and wide; Wine & Roses reaches 4-5 feet high and wide. Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8. Added bonus: Good for cut flowers or foliage. Draws hummingbirds and butterflies.
The plant is adaptable to most well-drained soils and is easy to grow in any good garden soil that drains well. If pruning is necessary to remove dead branches or to control its size, prune as soon as flowers fade since blooms develop on short shoots from the previous year's growth. Pest problems are minimal. A new standout W. florida 'Alexandra' is a new selection being sold under the trademark name Wine & Roses. It was introduced in North America by Spring Meadow Nursery in Grand Haven, Mich. Wine & Roses is a purple-leafed Weigela with dark, glossy foliage and vibrant reddish-pink flowers. Leaf color intensifies to near black in midsummer and does not fade to green like some cultivars. The dark-purple foliage is being sold in Europe as a cut branch for the floral market. It is a strong grower. Grow a finished 1-gallon plant in one growing season or less from a 2 1/4-inch potted liner. It matures to 4-5 feet but can easily be maintained as a smaller plant if desired. The plant is easily propagated under mist. Liners and licensing are available from Spring Meadow Nursery. For more: Spring Meadow Nursery Inc., 12601 120th Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417-9621; (800) 633-8859; fax (616) 846-0619. -- By Kevin Neal

HOME / SITE MAP / WHAT'S ON WHEN / SHOW ROOM / SOURCE LISTTRAVEL PLANNER
GMPRO / NMPRO / GARDEN CENTER / GCP&S / STAFF / E-MAIL NEWSLETTER / MAGAZINE SIGN-UP

© 1998 Branch-Smith Publishing