Weigela florida Lime Monster

Weigela 'Lime Monster' (PBR) is a new Polish introduction, which stands out for its light green, remarkably large and curved leaves, resembling giant basil leaves. This bright and original variety, with an upright habit and moderate growth, is perfect for bringing life to partially shaded beds, even in small gardens with an exotic feel. The reddish young shoots contrast beautifully with the vibrant green foliage, which serves as a backdrop for the discreet light pink flowering. This extraordinary shrub can be planted in ordinary but moist soil in a sunny border with a rustic or romantic theme, or even in a small flowering hedge or a large pot on the terrace.

Originating from northern China, Japan, and Korea, Weigela florida is a deciduous shrub belonging to the honeysuckle family. This calcicolous (preferring calcareous soils) shrub has a fibrous and spreading root system, which tolerates transplantation perfectly. The 'Lime Monster' cultivar from which it originates was selected in 2017 by Bronisław Jan Szmit at the Szmit nursery in Poland. It has a compact and upright habit and quickly forms a bush 1.5 m (5 ft) tall and 1 m (3 ft) wide. Its very bright lime-green foliage consists of large leaves measuring up to 25 cm (10 in) in length, which are ovate to elliptical, curved, undulate, and pubescent on the underside. They turn red before falling in autumn. Its very pale pink funnel-shaped flowers, which are quite insignificant, are produced from May to June. They are borne in corymbs at the tips of the current year's branches.

Hardy down to -20 °C (-4 °F), Weigela 'Lime Monster' thrives in a gently sunny or semi-shaded position to protect its foliage from sunburn, in a moist but well-drained soil. Its bushy and compact habit and its verdant foliage make it particularly interesting in shrub beds. Pair it, for example, with Galega, variegated dogwoods, ornamental brambles, or a purple-leaved Physocarpus such as 'Midnight'. In the background, its foliage will provide a beautiful setting for perennials with pink, purple, orange, or yellow flowers. This Weigela can also be planted in a container on the terrace or placed in the centre of a bed of nepetas and columbines in a small garden to attract attention.