Weigela florida Alexandra

Weigelia florida 'Alexandra' is the only variety that develops the darkest foliage ever observed to date in these plants. This unique purple colour perfectly highlights an abundant and vibrant spring flowering, made up of numerous bell-shaped flowers in a deep pinkish-purple, and retains its beauty until the leaves fall. Displaying a wide and bushy habit, this beautiful bush has a moderate growth suitable for gardens of all sizes and is easy to grow in any fresh and loose soil. Wonderful in a field or romantic flower bed, it also complements a flowering hedge in the company of other flowering or foliage shrubs.

Weigelia florida 'Alexandra' comes from Weigela florida, native to northeastern China, Korea, and Japan. Weigelas are Asian and belong to the Caprifoliaceae family, just like honeysuckles. 'Alexandra' is a calcicolous shrub (preferring calcareous soils) that develops a fibrous and tracing root system, which perfectly supports transplantation. It has a very bushy habit and eventually forms a large multi-branched bush with initially erect branches that arch over time. Its growth is fast in fresh soil, reaching an average height and spread of 2 m (6.6 ft). Its funnel-shaped flowers are a deep pink turning towards red. They are borne in corymbs at the tips of the previous year's branches and bloom abundantly from May to June. Its deciduous foliage consists of lanceolate leaves, slightly undulate and pointed at their ends, measuring 4 cm to 8 cm (1.6 in to 3.1 in) long. Their colour varies from very dark purple to purple tinged with green and black in summer, taking on slightly redder hues in autumn before falling. Note that the foliage colour will be even more intense and dark if the shrub is exposed to the sun.

Hardy down to -20° C (-4° F), 'Alexandra' thrives in a sunny position, in deep, fresh, yet well-drained soil. Its arching and vigorous habit makes it a highly ornamental shrub from spring to autumn. This colourful variety brings life to any bocage hedge and adds character to the humblest of settings. In a flower bed, for example, pair it with other varieties of Weigelas, Elaeagnus pungens 'Maculata', Kerria japonica, Viburnum carlesii or V. trilobum 'Bailey Compact', mahonias, Hydrangea, variegated dogwoods, spireas, ornamental brambles, or even a hedge honeysuckle. In the background, the very dark foliage of holly, boxwood, or yew will provide a beautiful backdrop for its remarkably coloured foliage and provide a dazzling winter scene.