Information on Weigela Bushes

Types

• Despite its scientific name, Weigela florida is not a native shrub of the Deep South, instead originating from China and Korea. This weigela species spawned many cultivars, including Candida, Alexandra, Bristol Ruby, Canary, Carnaval, Minuet, Pink Delight, White Knight, Java Red, Red Prince, Polka and Rumba, according to the University of Connecticut Plant Database. Weigela praecox is another form of the bush, native to Korea, Japan and Manchuria. Weigela coraeensis and Weigela middendorffiana are two other types of this Asian shrub.

Size

• Old-fashioned weigela grows to between 6 and 10 feet tall, while the other species forms are somewhat smaller, growing to 6 or 7 feet. Among the cultivars, types such as Tango, Elvera, and Pink Poppet are much smaller, growing to less than 30 inches tall. Eyecatcher, Minuet and Nana Variegata mature to 3 feet high. Types like Courtalor and Courtamon develop to 5 feet; cultivars including Red Prince grow to between 6 and 9 feet.

Features

• Most weigela bushes possess branches that arch toward the ground. The leaves are green, but some cultivars, specifically designed for their foliage, offer very dark green leaves; Dark Horse is one of these weigela bushes. The flowers of weigela shrubs are their best feature. Those of old-fashioned weigela look like funnels or bells, are pink and bloom from May into June. Weigela praecox blooms earlier, generating its pink and yellow flowers in April and May. The flower colors vary between cultivars. Most have shades of red, pink or purple in their makeup, but types such as White Knight offer white blooms. The fruit and fall foliage of weigela are of no special ornamental value to the landscape.

Uses

• Plant the smaller weigela bushes, including Pink Poppet, along foundations or in the smaller areas of your garden. They are appropriate as a low hedge or as part of a shrub border. The taller weigela bush is suitable as a specimen plant or as part of a group planting. Use the tallest of the weigelas to create privacy screens or locate them along property lines to mark boundaries.