Weigela floribunda

Weigela floribunda, or crimson weigela, is a deciduous shrub from Japan. It belongs to the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. Its native range includes western and central Honshu, plus Shikoku. It grows in open places within this temperate region. Recorded habitats lie at 492–5,577 feet [150–1,700 metres] above sea level. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This shrub has a spreading form with many branches. Garden plants reach about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres] tall and wide. The RHS describes a usual height near 10 feet [3 metres]. Plants take 10–20 years to reach their full size. Hairs cover the branches and the mid-green leaves. Each leaf has an oval shape that narrows toward its tip. Leaves reach about 4.7 inches [12 centimetres] long. The shrub sheds its leaves for winter. Its funnel-shaped flowers range from dark red to crimson. Each bloom measures about 1.4 inches [3.5 centimetres] long. Flowering runs from late spring into early or midsummer.

Grow it in sun or partial shade. It needs fertile soil that drains well but retains moisture. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam and sand as suitable soils. It also accepts acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions. Both exposed and sheltered sites suit it. The RHS rates it H5 for UK hardiness. This covers winter lows of 5–14°F [−15 to −10°C]. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9. The RHS describes it as easy to grow under suitable conditions.

Use it in flower beds, borders, hedges or screens. It also suits coastal sites and informal or cottage gardens. Plants For A Future suggests woodland edges and dappled shade. Prune in summer once the flowers have finished. The shrub responds well to pruning. Carry out renovation pruning in early spring. Take softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer. Hardwood cuttings offer another option in late autumn and winter. Possible pests include leaf and bud eelworms, capsid bugs and brown scale. Honey fungus may also affect it.

Plants For A Future records cooked young leaves as edible. Their use is as famine food, rather than a regular crop. It gives the plant a low food-use score. The same source reports no known hazards. That does not establish safety for every person or pet. It lists no known medicinal or other practical uses. It also reports no weed potential.