Weigela

Another of the favorite “old-timey” shrubs has undergone a rebirth of late – Weigela. Resilient and valuable assets for multi-season interest, choices now abound in foliage colors and shrub sizes, with many repeat-blooming better than they already did. Leaves can be green, gold, plum-purple, or multi-hued with cream, pink, or orange highlights. Flowers have that trumpet shape that hummingbirds enjoy in white, pink, violet-pink, or red and open over much of the summer. In fall, varieties with yellow or green leaves turn orange or a russet orange-red. Large varieties grow into a nice informal mound, while dwarf types remain a tidy tuffet that easily tucks in among other shrubs or perennials. The occasional trim keeps them fresh; their needs are few and care is easy.

by Miri Talabac, Woody Plant Buyer