How to Grow Weigela Wine and Roses
Weigela Wine and Roses
Weigela florida 'Wine and Roses'
shrubWine and Roses is a deciduous ornamental shrub prized for its deep burgundy foliage and vibrant pink flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The dark wine-colored leaves provide striking year-round color, while the tubular pink flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators. It's an excellent choice for landscape borders, mixed plantings, and as a specimen plant.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, with best performance in zones 5-7
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Growth Stages
Establishment
First 12 monthsYoung shrub with limited branching, developing root system. Foliage begins showing deep burgundy coloring.
Water deeply and consistently. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base. Avoid fertilizing first year. Remove any dead or damaged branches.
Vegetative Growth
Year 2-3Shrub expands with vigorous new growth. Dark wine-colored foliage fills in across branches. Limited flowering in first year.
Continue regular watering. Prune lightly to shape. Foliage color intensifies with cooler temperatures and ample sun.
Flowering
4-6 weeksAbundant tubular pink flowers appear along branches in late spring to early summer. Blooms stand out against dark foliage.
Flowers typically appear May-June. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage longer bloom period and tidiness. Light fertilizing with balanced formula promotes flowering.
Post-Bloom & Maintenance
Summer through fallFlowers fade; foliage remains the primary ornamental feature. Plant may produce light secondary blooms in late summer.
Prune after flowering to shape and remove any dead wood. Cut back up to one-third of oldest stems to rejuvenate. Apply balanced fertilizer in summer.
Dormancy
November-MarchLeaves may turn bronze or burgundy before dropping in fall. Plant enters dormancy for winter. New buds form for next spring's flowers.
No watering needed if rainfall is adequate. Avoid pruning in late fall. Some foliage color may persist into winter in milder zones.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for skeletonized leaves in early summer. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested branches. Encourage natural predators.
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Hand-pick early morning when beetles are less active. Use Japanese beetle traps away from plant. Apply neem oil. Maintain plant health to reduce susceptibility.
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Prune out heavily infested branches. Spray with horticultural oil in dormant season. Apply insecticidal soap during growing season.
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Ensure good air circulation through pruning. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur-based fungicide if severe. Select resistant cultivars.
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Remove infected leaves. Improve drainage and air circulation. Avoid wetting foliage. Apply fungicide if widespread.
Uses
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThe vibrant pink flowers on deep burgundy stems make striking floral arrangements and bouquets. Branches can be cut at peak bloom and conditioned for long vase life. [source]
Hummingbird & Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe tubular pink flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making this shrub valuable for pollinator gardens and wildlife habitat. [source]
Ornamental Landscape Color
HouseholdThe deep wine-burgundy foliage provides year-round visual interest and serves as an excellent foil for lighter-colored plants. It works beautifully as a specimen plant, border element, or backdrop in mixed gardens. [source]
Spring Flowering Backdrop
HouseholdDense growth habit and showy pink blooms make Wine and Roses ideal for creating layered color schemes in spring landscapes. The contrast between dark foliage and bright flowers provides seasonal focal points. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalWeigela species have been used in traditional herbalism for various purposes, though Wine and Roses is primarily ornamental. Some cultures use related Weigela species in herbal preparations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Wine and Roses is an ornamental shrub, not harvested for food or material yield. Enjoy the flowers as cut stems indoors—stems last 5-7 days in water. Pinch back stems throughout growing season to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Cut branches for seasonal arrangements during peak bloom.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Wine and Roses was introduced in 1950 and remains one of the most popular Weigela cultivars due to its exceptional dark foliage and showy flowers.
- 🌱 The deep burgundy leaf color intensifies in cooler weather and with full sun exposure, reaching its most vibrant hues in fall and spring.
- 🌱 Weigela flowers are primarily pollinated by hummingbirds, and a single shrub can attract dozens of hummingbirds during peak bloom season.
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