| Flowers fade to almost black two-valved seed capsules which remain on the plant into winter. |
This close-up scan shows the faded flower remains and the forming seed capsules, which really don't look like seed capsules to me, being tubular.
The seed capsules are not of great ornamental value, but they aren't bothersome, either.
Seed has no particular dormancy requirements and can be direct sown, according to Dirr. I have yet to find any self-sown seedlings anywhere in the vicinity of either of my plants - both of whom have been in place for around ten years.
Weigela is also easy to propagate by softwood cuttings taken in June, July and August. These are easiest with a mist system, but you can enclose them in a plastic bag to help them remain turgid until they root.
Not Mine....Yet
Weigela 'Olympiade', AKA 'Briant Rubidor', 'Rubigold', 'Rubidor Variegata', 'Rubidor' and 'Rubigold', is unusual in that it has golden-chartreuse foliage that either contrasts or clashes with the deep pink, almost red flowers, depending on your taste. The foliage intrigues me on this one. I'm of two minds about the flower / foliage combination, but it certainly would brighten up a dull corner!
This cultivar was introduced by Bressingham Nurseries, UK, in 1988 and will grow from four to seven feet (1.21 - 2.13 m) tall. Leaf color will be brightest in full sun. In shadier spots, the leaves will tend to be more chartreuse than gold.
Weigela florida 'Red Prince' is a hybrid between two selections ('Vanicek' = ['Newport Red'] and ISU 41) made at Iowa State University in 1984.
The blood red flowers are said to fade darker, a unique trait among the red-flowering weigelas. It will also throw recurrent blooms after the main flush.
The 'Newport Red' parentage makes this a hardy red form, since the parent clone is noted for its hardiness. It will get about three to six feet tall (1 - 2 m).
If you have the space for one of these lovely old-fashioned shrubs, try one. You'll find it easy to please and a shrub that will please you faithfully every spring.
More flowering deciduous shrubs next time. See ya' later!
More Information
- Weigela are generally disease and pest free, but the Plant Pest Handbook does describe one bug that could be a problem.
- Kim E. Tripp of the JC Raulston Arboretum at NSCU has a good article about Weigela that describes many of the newest cultivars.
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