Overview
Uses: Mixed borders, foundation plantings, mass plantings, and pollinator gardens.
Benefits: A mid-size weigela with deep burgundy foliage and bright pink trumpet flowers in late spring. Fits between the dwarf and full-size dark-leaf weigelas, and brings hummingbirds to the garden.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Sun: Full Sun
Life Cycle: Deciduous Shrub
Growth Habit: Rounded, Upright — neat, mid-size form.
Bloom Color: Pink
Foliage Color: Deep Burgundy
Mature Height: 3–4 feet
Mature Width: 3–4 feet
Bloom Season: Late spring
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Dark wine foliage in a size that fits right in front of the house.
Dark-leaved weigelas tend to come in two sizes: low dwarfs for edging and big shrubs that need room to spread. Very Fine Wine® fills the gap between them. It grows into a neat, upright-rounded shrub about three to four feet tall and wide, large enough to hold its own in a border but small enough for a foundation bed under a window.
The foliage opens a deep burgundy and keeps that color through the growing season. In late spring, bright pink trumpet flowers line the stems, and the contrast between the pink and the dark leaves is striking from across the yard. Hummingbirds visit the blooms while they last.
Once the flowers finish, the shrub keeps working as a block of dark color. Plant it in a group of three for a bold mass, or set it beside gold, chartreuse, or silver foliage so each makes the other stand out.
Care
Very Fine Wine® Weigela Care
Plant in full sun for the darkest leaf color and the most flowers. In part shade the foliage greens up and bloom is lighter.
It grows well in most average soils as long as they drain. Avoid spots where water stands after rain, and work some compost into very heavy clay at planting time.
Water deeply once or twice a week through the first growing season. Established plants need extra water only during extended dry periods. A two-to-three-inch layer of mulch helps hold moisture.
Feed once in early spring with a slow release fertilizer.
Weigela blooms on the previous year's growth, so do any shaping right after flowering. In spring, trim off any tips damaged over winter once the new leaves appear. Every few years, removing one or two of the oldest stems at the base keeps the plant full and vigorous.
Size
What Size is the Very Fine Wine® Weigela for Sale Online?
Our Very Fine Wine® Weigela ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. Plants ship dormant or near dormant in the off-season, so they may arrive as bare stems with few or no leaves. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Very Fine Wine® Weigela Grow?
Expect about 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide at maturity, in a neat, upright-rounded shape. Space plants about 3 feet apart for a low hedge or mass planting.
Additional Information
What is the botanical name of Very Fine Wine® Weigela?
The botanical name is Weigela florida Very Fine Wine®. It is a Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Flowering Shrub selected for dark foliage on a mid-size plant.
What are some common names for this plant?
It is commonly called weigela or old-fashioned weigela.
How does it compare to other dark-leaved weigelas?
It sits in the middle of the range. Wine & Roses® reaches about 4 to 5 feet, and Midnight Wine Shine® stays a low 1 to 2 feet. At 3 to 4 feet, Very Fine Wine® is the one to choose for foundation beds and mid-border spots where a large weigela would crowd its neighbors.
Will it grow in partial shade?
It will grow, but it performs best in full sun. With fewer than about six hours of direct sun, the foliage turns more green than burgundy and the plant sets fewer flowers. For more flowering shrubs that suit sunny beds, see our Shrubs & Bushes.
