Description
Weigela WAY-guh-luh
For sheer romantic charm, few ornamental plants rival the character and beauty of weigela. This old-fashioned deciduous shrub, which bears profuse clusters of flowers in spring, is virtually carefree, save for a bit of pruning and watering. The tubular-shaped flowers, which come in various hues, are especially attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. With a wide range of foliage colors—from creamy variegation to nearly black—and an array of sizes, there’s a suitable variety for nearly any landscape need.
A member of the honeysuckle family, weigela is native to parts of Asia, and was first imported to Europe in the 1800s. Hardy in many regions of the US, breeding breakthroughs have resulted in newer cultivars with different colors, increased vigor, and compact sizes that are suited for smaller yards.