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Weigela Wine and Roses

Weigela florida 'Alexandra'

A lush garden with blooming flowers and green vines.

This award-winning shrub combines striking burgundy foliage with masses of rosy-pink trumpet flowers in late spring. The dramatic dark leaves provide season-long color interest, making this compact weigela perfect for adding bold contrast to mixed borders. It's remarkably easy to grow and attracts hummingbirds while deer tend to avoid it.

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

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Zones

4–8

USDA hardiness

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Height

6-10 feet

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Planting Timeline

Zone:

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Dec

Transplant

Showing dates for Weigela Wine and Roses in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Weigela Wine and Roses · Zones 4–8

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing4-6 feet

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil

pH6.0-7.5

WaterAverage moisture, drought tolerant once established

SeasonBlooms May through June with sporadic reblooming

FlavorNot applicable

ColorDeep burgundy foliage with rosy-pink flowers

Size1 inch long tubular flowers in clusters

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 4	—	June – July	—	—
Zone 5	—	May – July	—	—
Zone 6	—	May – July	—	—
Zone 7	—	May – June	—	—
Zone 8	—	April – June	—	—

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day), Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 9 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12-24 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Inconspicuous fruit is a 2-valved oblong capsule. The seeds are unwinged to slightly winged.

Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Capsule.

Storage & Preservation

Weigela Wine and Roses is an ornamental shrub—not harvested for storage like produce. For cut flowers, place stems in water immediately after cutting and store in a cool location (50-65°F). Keep away from direct sunlight and ethylene-producing fruits. Cut flowers last 5-7 days with regular water changes. To preserve the foliage's burgundy color, maintain consistent moisture during growing season. For long-term preservation, dried flowers and seed heads can be air-dried in a cool, dark place for dried arrangements. Propagate new plants via semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, rooting in moist soil for future seasons.

History & Origin

Origin: Northern China, Korea and Japan

Advantages

+Striking burgundy foliage provides season-long visual interest and bold contrast
+Award-winning variety produces masses of rosy-pink trumpet flowers reliably
+Compact size makes it perfect for mixed borders and smaller spaces
+Remarkably easy to grow with minimal care requirements for most gardeners
+Attracts hummingbirds while deer naturally avoid browsing on it

Considerations

-Susceptible to powdery mildew in humid climates requiring preventive treatment
-Prone to aphid and scale insect infestations needing regular monitoring
-Vulnerable to crown gall disease which can kill affected plants
-Leaf spot disease can develop in wet conditions affecting appearance

Companion Plants

Catmint (Nepeta spp.) and Heuchera are solid choices planted at the feet of 'Wine and Roses' — both stay under 18 inches, won't compete seriously for root space, and the purple tones in each read well against the shrub's dark burgundy foliage without fighting it. Daylilies and Spirea work at slightly more distance; they bloom on a compatible May–June schedule and thrive in the same pH range (6.0–7.0), so you're not juggling two different fertility programs. Japanese Painted Fern earns a spot on the shadier north side of the shrub, where it gets the 4-hour minimum it needs without baking in afternoon sun.

The three to avoid all cause real harm, not just aesthetic friction. Black Walnut produces juglone through its roots and leaf litter — a compound that interferes with respiration in many woody plants, and Weigela is susceptible. Norway Maple roots run shallow and wide, pulling moisture from the top 12 inches of soil where Weigela feeds most actively; anything planted inside its drip line loses that competition. Eucalyptus releases allelopathic compounds through both root exudates and decomposing leaves that suppress establishment in neighboring plants — a problem that persists even after the tree is removed.

Plant Together

Japanese Painted Fern

Silver foliage creates striking contrast with dark burgundy leaves

Catmint

Repels aphids and other pests while providing long-blooming purple flowers

Brunnera

Heart-shaped leaves complement weigela foliage, tolerates same light conditions

Spirea

Similar growth habits and pruning requirements, complementary bloom times

Daylilies

Deep roots don't compete with shallow weigela roots, provide summer color

Hostas

Provide complementary foliage texture and thrive in similar partial shade conditions

Astilbe

Share similar moisture and light requirements, bloom in complementary colors

Heuchera

Colorful foliage complements wine-colored leaves, similar growing conditions

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth of many shrubs including weigela

Norway Maple

Dense shade and shallow roots compete heavily for water and nutrients

Eucalyptus

Allelopathic compounds inhibit growth of nearby plants

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good disease resistance, very hardy

Common Pests

Aphids, scale insects, nematodes

Diseases

Crown gall, leaf spot, powdery mildew in humid conditions

Troubleshooting Weigela Wine and Roses

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Sticky residue on stems and leaves, often with a black sooty coating and clusters of soft-bodied insects on new growth

Likely Causes

Aphid infestation — several species target Weigela, congregating on tender spring shoots
Sooty mold (Capnodium spp.) colonizing aphid honeydew after populations build

What to Do

1.Knock aphids off with a strong spray of water from a hose — repeat every 2–3 days until populations drop
2.If that's not enough, apply insecticidal soap to affected stems, covering undersides of leaves
3.Encourage or avoid disturbing nearby ladybeetle populations, which will work the colony down on their own

Rough, corky galls at or just below the soil line on the crown or main stems, noticed at transplant or during a spring inspection

Likely Causes

Crown gall (Agrobacterium tumefaciens) — a soil-borne bacterium that enters through wounds from tools or root damage
Contaminated planting tools or infected nursery stock

What to Do

1.Remove and discard infected plants entirely — do not compost them; the bacterium persists in soil for years
2.Disinfect pruning shears and shovels with 70% isopropyl alcohol between plants
3.Don't replant Weigela or other susceptible shrubs in that same spot for at least 3–4 years

White powdery coating on leaves and young stems, worst in late summer, particularly on plants in tight spots with poor airflow

Likely Causes

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe spp.) — thrives when humidity is high but leaf surfaces stay dry, common in zone 6–8 summers
Overcrowded planting under 4 feet of spacing that traps moisture and blocks air movement

What to Do

1.Prune out the worst-affected stems right after bloom and dispose of them — don't leave them on the ground
2.Space new plantings at least 5–6 feet apart; if an existing plant is jammed against a structure, consider moving it in fall when the shrub is dormant
3.A potassium bicarbonate spray applied at first sign of infection can slow spread without harsh chemistry

Bumpy, waxy brown or tan lumps on stems that don't wipe off, accompanied by yellowing foliage and weak new growth

Likely Causes

Scale insects (often oystershell scale, Lepidosaphes ulmi) — immature crawlers settle in spring and form a hard shell by midsummer
Stressed plants — drought, compaction, or poor drainage — are significantly more attractive to scale

What to Do

1.Scrub light infestations off stems with a soft brush and a dilute neem oil solution
2.Apply horticultural oil in early spring before buds break to smother overwintering eggs — timing matters more than product here
3.Address the underlying stress: improve drainage, water during drought, and top-dress with 2 inches of compost to restore vigor

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Weigela Wine and Roses?▼

Plant in early spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the ground is workable. Fall planting (September-October) allows roots to establish through winter, giving vigorous spring growth. Spring planting (March-May) works well in cooler zones. Avoid planting during extreme heat or drought. Space plants 4-6 feet apart to accommodate mature size. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture the first growing season.

Is Weigela Wine and Roses good for beginning gardeners?▼

Yes, absolutely. This variety is remarkably easy to grow, making it ideal for beginners. It tolerates a range of soil conditions and light levels (full sun to partial shade). Once established, it requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional watering during drought and light pruning after flowering to maintain shape. Its pest resilience and deer resistance further simplify care, making it nearly foolproof.

Can you grow Weigela Wine and Roses in containers?▼

Yes, you can grow it in containers, though it's not ideal long-term. Use a large pot (20+ inches) with well-draining potting mix. Container plants dry out faster and require more frequent watering and fertilizing than in-ground specimens. They may need winter protection in cold climates. For best results, plan to transplant to the ground after 1-2 years or refresh soil annually if keeping containerized.

How long does Weigela Wine and Roses bloom?▼

The main flowering period is late spring (May-June), when the shrub produces masses of rosy-pink trumpet flowers. Some varieties rebloom lightly in late summer or fall with cooler temperatures. Individual flowers last several weeks on the plant. With regular deadheading of spent blooms, you can encourage more flowers. Blooming duration typically spans 4-8 weeks depending on temperature and growing conditions.

How much sun does Weigela Wine and Roses need?▼

It thrives in full sun (6+ hours daily), which produces the most abundant flowers and deepest burgundy foliage color. Partial shade (4-6 hours) is also acceptable, especially in very hot climates where afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch. In insufficient light, flowering decreases and foliage color fades. For optimal ornamental impact, provide at least 4 hours of direct sun daily.

What pests should I watch for on Weigela Wine and Roses?▼

Common pests include aphids, scale insects, and nematodes. Aphids cluster on new growth and can be sprayed off with water or treated with insecticidal soap. Scale insects appear as brown bumps on stems; prune affected branches or treat with horticultural oil in dormancy. Root nematodes cause stunting; ensure good soil drainage and avoid waterlogging. Healthy, well-maintained plants resist pests better than stressed specimens.