Weigela Cherry Lace

Weigela florida Cherry Lace is a charming dwarf version of the 'Red Prince' variety from which it inherited its fantastic intense red flowering. Stockier than its predecessor, this shrub transforms at the end of spring into a veritable ball of cherry-red, lightly scented flowers, which fade elegantly. The radiant tone of this flowering is well highlighted by a thick, embossed foliage of a beautiful vibrant green. Whether in the ground or in a pretty pot, it is sure to be the centre of attention!

Native to northern China, Japan, and Korea, Weigela florida is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family. This calcicolous (preferring calcareous soils) shrub has a fibrous and spreading root system, which perfectly supports transplantation. The 'Cherry Lace' cultivar is a very recent selection that has a rounded and bushy habit, with fairly flexible stems. It forms a ramified bush that will ultimately not exceed 80 cm (32 in) in all directions. Its funnel-shaped flowers, quite large compared to the type species, measuring 4 to 5 cm (2 in) long, are a very bright carmine-red, slightly lighter in the centre, enhanced by a white style that protrudes from the corolla. They are carried in corymbs, at the ends of the previous year's branches, and flower abundantly from May to June, and then more sporadically in summer. These flowers are also highly attractive to bees and provide nectar. Its deciduous foliage is composed of dark green, sessile leaves, meaning they have no petioles and are directly attached to the branches, pubescent on the underside, and oval in shape. The lamina, dentate at the edges, of a light green colour and with a particularly embossed texture, turns yellow in autumn before falling.

Hardy down to -20 °C (-4 °F), Weigela 'Cherry Lace' will thrive in many regions in sunny or semi-shaded locations and ordinary soil that remains moist but not too heavy. This small-sized variety that forms a ball of flowers brings a lot of brightness to the garden, as well as to the terrace. In a flower bed, for example, combine it with some Physocarpus, pheasant trees (Leycesteria formosa), ornamental brambles, a small viburnum chosen for its autumn colours (Viburnum 'Bailey Compact'), or a Purple Nana Barberry. In the background, the very dark foliage of holly, mahonias, or yews will create a setting for its colourful flowers and provide winter decor.