Weigela florida Korea

Weigela florida 'Korea' is a variety with tubular flowers of a very bright pink colour. This shrub spreads a little more in width than in height, making it suitable for planting in the centre of a flower bed or as a standalone plant. With its beautiful stature, it also fits well in a flowering hedge, adding charm with its beautiful flowering. Highly adaptable in terms of soil, it will thrive in full sun or partial shade.

Weigela belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family, which also includes honeysuckles (Lonicera) or the charming Leycesteria formosa, also known as the "pheasant berry" (in reality, a small shrub with remarkable decorative fruits). Weigelas, which were very popular a few decades ago, have somewhat fallen out of favour in recent years. However, they are still easy, generous, and adaptable plants that require little attention. The Weigela florida species, contrary to what its name suggests (which actually means "well-flowered"), does not originate from Florida but naturally grows in the open forests of China, Korea, and Japan. It is a shrub that reaches around 2 to 3 m (7 to 10 ft) in all directions, with branches bending under the weight of numerous pink spring flowers.

The 'Korea' variety is derived from this species: it stands out mainly for its abundant flowers of a very vibrant pink, almost purple colour. The flowering period begins in May and continues into June, with the shrub forming a more or less regular ball shape, with branches extending to the right and left, giving it a slightly tousled and friendly appearance. It tends to spread a little in width, reaching a height of about 2 m (7 ft). Thus forming a visible mass of vegetation, it will provide the structure for a flower bed and will also be precious as a standalone plant in a small to medium-sized garden. Like all Weigelas, the 'Korea' cultivar is highly adaptable: it appreciates limestone but will also be content with any good, well-drained garden soil that is not too dry, in non-scorching sunlight or partial shade. Hardy, it can withstand temperatures down to -15 °C (5 °F). It is worth noting that Weigela, even when mature, is easy to transplant thanks to its relatively shallow root system.

Weigela florida 'Korea' excels as a background plant in small gardens when combined with white spring blooms, such as those of Japanese spirea 'Halward's Silver', which is smaller and can be planted in front of the weigela. It also brightens up mixed hedges with its colourful touch and natural bushy appearance. It can be happily paired with Mexican orange blossom with its small fragrant white flowers, or with other easy-to-grow plants such as abelias or forsythias.