How to Grow Wine and Roses

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Wine and Roses

Weigela florida 'Wine and Roses'

shrub

Wine and Roses is a deciduous ornamental shrub prized for its deep burgundy foliage and pink tubular flowers that bloom in late spring. This cultivar combines striking dark leaf coloration with abundant floral displays, making it a popular landscape specimen. It grows as a medium-sized, fountain-shaped shrub that provides year-round visual interest.

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Example Wine and Roses timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Wine and Roses
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Wine and Roses
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wine and Roses dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best foliage color

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Water: Moderate water needs; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice weekly during growing season, more in hot climates. Drought-tolerant once established.

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Spacing: 48 inches

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Days to maturity: N/A - ornamental shrub

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury stem

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost peat moss perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-8, with best performance in zones 5-7

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

Newly Planted

First 4-6 weeks

Young shrub establishing root system with burgundy foliage emerging. May appear sparse initially.

Water regularly to keep soil moist. Avoid transplant shock by planting in spring or fall. Mulch around base 2-3 inches deep.

Vegetative Growth

Spring through early summer, 8-12 weeks

Rapid shoot elongation with deep burgundy to maroon leaves unfurling. Branch framework develops.

Water consistently. Prune lightly to shape if desired. Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer. Foliage color deepens with sun exposure.

Flowering

Late May to June, 4-6 weeks

Abundant pink to rose-red tubular flowers appear along branches against dark foliage. Very showy display.

Do not prune during flowering to avoid removing buds. Ensure adequate water during bloom period. Deadheading is optional but encourages longer bloom.

Post-Flowering

Mid-summer through fall, 12-16 weeks

Flowers fade and foliage remains the main ornamental feature. Shrub continues vegetative growth.

Prune immediately after flowering to shape and remove any dead wood. This is the ideal pruning window. Continue regular watering.

Dormancy

Late fall through winter, 12-16 weeks

Foliage remains on plant through fall with color changes. Winter dormancy begins with leaf drop.

Reduce watering in late fall. No fertilizing needed. Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. Mulch heavily for winter protection in zone 4.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Coral Bells Coreopsis Daylilies Russian Sage Ornamental Grasses Hydrangea Boxwood

Avoid planting near:

Black Walnut (produces juglone toxin)

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; apply miticide if severe. Improve humidity around plant.
Hand-pick in early morning or use pheromone traps. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.
Ensure good air circulation with pruning. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide if severe. Water at soil level, not foliage.
Spray with water or insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.

Uses

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Ornamental Landscape Specimen

Landscape

Wine and Roses serves as a stunning focal point in borders and foundation plantings, combining exceptional foliage color with showy spring flowers. Its burgundy leaves and pink blooms create striking color contrast in any garden design. [source]

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Pollinator Attractor

Wildlife

The tubular pink flowers attract hummingbirds and various bee species to the garden during late spring. Provides important nectar source during this season. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Craft

The colorful foliage and flowering branches can be cut for floral arrangements and displays, adding sophisticated color to indoor bouquets. [source]

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Privacy and Screening

Household

As a dense, medium-sized shrub, Wine and Roses can be planted in groups or hedges to create privacy screens and windbreaks in the landscape. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not applicable - ornamental shrub. Prune after flowering (late June to early July) to maintain shape and encourage next year's blooms. Deadheading spent flowers is optional.

Fun Facts

🌱 The Wine and Roses cultivar was introduced by Proven Winners and has won the prestigious Proven Winners Gold award for its exceptional garden performance.
🌱 The foliage of Wine and Roses deepens from burgundy to wine-red as the season progresses and temperatures cool, providing dynamic color change.
🌱 Weigela flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, which pollinate the flowers while feeding on nectar, making this shrub valuable for wildlife gardens.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant

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