Weigela Bristol Ruby

The Weigelia Bristol Ruby is a vigorous bush that has become a classic choice for flowering hedges and large landscape beds since its introduction in 1941. Easy to grow in moist soil, it has a beautiful stature and is perfectly hardy. It transforms itself from late spring into a cascade of crimson red, with small funnel-shaped shiny flowers that continue to bloom until the end of summer. This flowering period is longer because the shrub is a sterile hybrid and does not deplete itself by producing fruits. Its radiant tone is enhanced by thick foliage, of a beautiful dark green colour.

The Weigelia Bristol Ruby is the result of a cross-breeding carried out in the United States between the Weigela florida 'Eva Rathke', with its crimson red flowers, and the W. coraeensis 'Rosea', a species with significant growth. Weigelas are Asian plants, native to northern China, Japan, and Korea, and belong to the caprifoliaceae family, just like honeysuckles. 'Bristol Ruby' is a calcicolous bush (preferring chalky soils) with a fibrous and trailing root system that tolerates transplantation well. It has a bushy habit and eventually forms a large dense bush with arching branches, reaching a height of about 2.50 meters (8.20 ft) (sometimes 3m (9.84 ft)) with a spread of 2 meters (6.56 ft). Its funnel-shaped flowers are larger than typical and present two shades of red: carmine red on the periphery and a slightly deeper red in the centre. They are borne in corymbs at the end of the previous year's branches and bloom abundantly from May to June, and then more sporadically in summer. Its deciduous foliage is composed of dark green, ovate leaves, furry on the underside.

Hardy down to -20°C (-4°F), the Weigelia 'Bristol Ruby' thrives in sunny or semi-shady locations, in moist but well-drained soil. Its arching and vigorous habit make it a highly ornamental bush, with abundant flowering in dazzling shades that enliven any flowering hedge throughout the summer. In a flower bed, you can pair it with Elaeanus pungens 'Maculata', Kerria japonica, Viburnum carlesii, mahonias, Hydrangea, variegated dogwoods, spireas, ornamental brambles, or even a Ribes gordonianum. In the background, the very dark foliage of hollies or yews will create a beautiful setting for its generous flowering and provide winter interest.