Weigela florida variegata

Weigela florida ‘Variegata’, or the variegated weigela, is a deciduous shrub valued for its cream-edged foliage and its pink flowers in early summer. Its moderate growth and naturally bushy habit make this variety an excellent subject for shrub borders and informal hedges. Its good hardiness and low soil requirements allow it to be grown in many regions.

Belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family, this cultivar of Weigela florida is sometimes mentioned under the synonyms Weigela florida ‘Aurea Variegata’, ‘Variegata Aurea’ or ‘Aureovariegata’, not to be confused with the more compact ‘Nana Variegata’; the species originates from Northern and Central China, Korea, Southern Japan, and the Russian Far East, where it occupies woodland edges, thickets, and clear undergrowth. 
An old selection of horticultural origin, ‘Variegata’ was already cultivated at the beginning of the 20th century, probably introduced much earlier from Asia. It has been distinguished by the RHS AGM for its reliability. It is a shrub with a bushy and slightly arching habit; it reaches 1.50 m to 2 m in height and spread at maturity, depending on growing conditions. The opposite, ovate leaves with a pointed tip, measure 5 to 10 cm long and are medium to dark green, with a light border. The cream-coloured margin may evolve to a pale yellow over the season, while the centre of the leaf remains green. The foliage is deciduous, falling in autumn.
The flowers are borne on the previous year's wood, formed of 2.5 to 3 cm, pale pink bells with a deep pink throat, gathered in small terminal or axillary cymes. The main flowering occurs from May to June, sometimes with a slight summer rebloom.

In the garden, Weigela florida ‘Variegata’ grows in ordinary, even calcareous, but deep and well-drained soils, in sun or partial shade. It can be used as a solitary specimen in small gardens, or in borders in larger gardens. Pair it with dark or golden foliage that will enhance its flowering: Physocarpus opulifolius ‘'Diabolo’, Spiraea japonica ‘Goldflame’, or Viburnum trilobum Bailey Compact®. Or combine it with other weigelas, ‘Bristol Ruby’, ‘Alexandra’ or 'Nana Variegata' to play with volumes and colours.