Dark Horse Weigela Landscape Ideas

Weigela Borders

• Dark Horse is a compact shrub. On average, it doesn't grow much taller or wider than 3 feet, making it suitable for lining walkways and borders. Its pruning needs are minimal, so there's a low risk of creeping branches obstructing pathways or creating tripping hazards. The shrub is well contained after established growth. Dark Horse's shorter stature also means that any front windows have clearance, allowing sunlight into your home. Consider Dark Horse for lining a front walkway or as a foundation border adding visual interest to curb appeal. Dark Horse is also suitable for lining a backyard patio, so long as the shrubs have access to full sunlight.

Pool Landscaping

• Pool landscaping requires careful consideration of several factors, such as root systems, foliage dropping and pest attraction. Dark Horse provides ample color without interfering with pool maintenance or recreational time. Though the bright blooms on Dark Horse may attract birds or butterflies, the shrubs are not a favorite of more bothersome wildlife, such as bees or wasps. The root systems are sturdy but not extensive and don't threaten the pool or patio's structural integrity. Because the shrub is low lying and tops off at about 3 feet, there is little likelihood of finding dropped leaves or bloom in the pool water. For above-ground pools, space Dark Horse shrubs every 5 to 6 feet around the perimeter, leaving at least 3 feet of space between the pool and the back of the shrub. For in-ground pools, incorporate Dark Horse along the patio edge for privacy and low lounging shade.

Companion Plants

• Dark Horse is a feature shrub in colorful flower gardens. The robust but manageable size adds visual height to an otherwise low-lying flower garden. The magenta spring blossoms help the shrub blend seamlessly into the bright landscape. If you're including Dark Horse into your flowerbeds or gardens, pair them with plants that both complement those colors and prefer similar growing conditions. The shrub's dark, waxy leaves contrast well with more brightly colored shrubs, such as Hydrangea macrophylla "Variegata" or the Dark Horse's lime-colored cousin, W. florida "Brigela." Contrast the bright magenta flowers of the cultivar with the showy yellow blossoms of flowers like Peony "Yellow Crown" or go for a more color-coordinated look with pink flowers like those of Astilbe chinensis "Visions" or Aster "Woods Pink."

Container Planting

• Dark Horse cultivars do well in container gardens or potted, as their root systems do not require extensive growth and the remain compact in size. A 2- to 3-gallon container allows for full-growth potential while providing you with the ease of moving the plant around your landscape or incorporating the shrub into hardscape areas. If you've include or work around boulders in your landscape design, a potted Dark Horse shrub softens the rocks' visual impact without requiring any creative or invasive planting strategies. Dark Horse is hardy through U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone 4.