The original weigela, Weigela Florida is a non-descript plant with green leaves and little fall color. But breeders have developed several newer varieties that have dark burgundy leaf color and a dwarf variety with variegated leaves. Most are very hardy in northern Michigan except some of variegated varieties. Also, some of the newer varieties will flower for an extended period beginning in the spring. The flowers of weigela are tubular shape and loved by hummingbirds. Red Java weigela was developed with “bronzish” leaf color; Wine and Rose followed with a much darker purple leaf color and extended flowering time. Wine and Roses will grow 4' to 5' tall and wide. Spilled Wine grows 2' to 3' tall and wide with small branches that spread or ‘spills out’ whereas Fine Wine weigela grows 2' to 3' wide but stays more compact. Weigela that receive more sun exposure that have bronze leaves, will have darker leaf color and the better flowering.
We find that one of the original green leaf varieties called Red Prince that grows 5’ to 6’tall is a very worthy weigela to consider. Red Prince flowers around 3 weeks beginning late spring into the summer. They have bright red flowers that do not fade in color over time. It often produces a second, but sparce blooming late summer to early fall.
It is best to prune weigela annually after the flowers are spent and not to prune later when new wood is produced that will grow buds for new flowers.
Dorian
We find that one of the original green leaf varieties called Red Prince that grows 5’ to 6’tall is a very worthy weigela to consider. Red Prince flowers around 3 weeks beginning late spring into the summer. They have bright red flowers that do not fade in color over time. It often produces a second, but sparce blooming late summer to early fall.
It is best to prune weigela annually after the flowers are spent and not to prune later when new wood is produced that will grow buds for new flowers.
Dorian
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