WEIGELA. China and Korea. Like Umbellularia, this is a a group with a name few can pronounce—it usually comes out something like “wyejeelya”. But the plants are easily recognized: Medium to large shrubs with paired, pointed-oval, rough-textured leaves, up to 4" long, and generous crops of bell shaped flowers in summer. The flowers are usually around an inch long and red to pink in color, though there are also white forms. The plants tend to look a bit ragged after blooming, though in our climate they can be pruned frequently for fresh waves of lusher growth and sometimes, even further waves of bloom. Most selections are still regularly sold under the name, W. florida. However, most have been determined to be hybrids of two or more species. These are easily grown shrubs, thriving in sun and most soils, with moderate watering. Hardy to 0^oF or below.

 ‘Abel Carriere’ is a lush, leafy plant and exceptionally floriferous. It produces large clusters of bright pink flowers most of the summer.

 ‘Candida’. This is a beautiful, robust shrub with large bright green leaves and snow-white flowers.

 florida ‘Foliis Purpureis’ (‘Purpurea’). This is one of the few cultivars still recognized as W. florida. It is a little more compact than most weigelas, with strongly purple tinged leaves and deep purplish red flowers.

‘Polka’ (COPF). This is one of several weigelas recently introduced with smaller gardens in mind. The plants are compact and nearly round, growing 3-5’ high. The leaves are dark and attractive. Clear pink flowers are massed along the branches in spring.

 ‘Red Prince’. A vigorous, bushy selection growing to 6’ or more, with dark green leaves and bright red flowers.

 ‘Rubidor’ (‘Olympiade’) has somewhat purple-tinged foliage and deep purplish pink flowers.

 ‘Variegata Nana’ is a smaller selection with compact growth, large leaves margined in pale yellow, and pink flowers with darker centers.