Weigela (Weigela florida 'Alexandra' WINE AND ROSES)

Overview

The Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ WINE AND ROSES cultivar is highly prized for its vibrant, deep purple foliage that offers striking contrast against its profuse spring blooms. This deciduous shrub adds dependable color and structure to the landscape without demanding excessive attention from the gardener. Its dense, rounded habit makes it extremely versatile in various garden settings.

This specific variety of Weigela is known for its showy, reddish-pink, funnel-shaped flowers appearing primarily from April to June, with sporadic repeat blooms possible later in the summer. It thrives best when situated in full sun, which is essential for maximizing both flower production and the intensity of the desirable foliage color. The low maintenance requirements of the Weigela make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Native originally to East Asia, this cultivar brings excellent performance to temperate gardens across zones 4 through 8. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the flowers are known to attract hummingbirds, providing added ecological value to your property margins or foundation plantings. Investing in Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ WINE AND ROSES guarantees seasonal interest and reliable performance.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 4-5 ft
  • Spread: 4-6 ft
• Bloom Time: April to June
• Bloom Description: Reddish pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting the Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ WINE AND ROSES is best performed in the spring or fall immediately following arrival to allow roots to establish before temperature extremes. Ensure the chosen location receives full sun, though light, dappled shade is tolerated, full sun promotes the best foliage color. This Weigela adapts well to average, well-drained soils but notably tolerates clay soils, simplifying site selection.

Maintain medium moisture levels throughout the growing season, particularly while the shrub establishes its root system. Fertilization is rarely necessary if soil conditions are adequate; conversely, excessive feeding can lead to soft, floppy growth. Pruning should be performed judiciously, shaping the shrub only immediately after the peak spring flowering period concludes.

Avoid heavy pruning late in the season, as this might stimulate new growth that will be susceptible to winter damage in colder zones. Winter preparation is minimal for established plants in zones 4-8. Propagation of this cultivar is achievable through standard stem cuttings taken at the appropriate time. Maximizing sun exposure is the single most important factor for successful growth and vibrant color display in your WINE AND ROSES Weigela.

Landscape Uses

Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ WINE AND ROSES excels as a structural element in defined garden beds, particularly along borders where its contrasting foliage can be fully appreciated. Its manageable 4 to 6-foot spread and height also make it suitable for use as a formal or informal hedge, providing excellent separation between landscape areas or softening property margins. The deep purple leaves ensure visual interest even when the shrub is not in bloom.

Consider planting Weigela in masses for a dramatic screen or interspersing single specimens near foundational plantings where they can anchor corners or break up expanses of evergreen shrubs. Though it functions well as a summer screen due to its density, its relatively compact size keeps it from overpowering smaller architectural features. This versatile shrub harmonizes well with lighter green or gold-leafed companion plants that accentuate its dark purple tones.

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Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Weigela florida is native to northern China, Korea and Japan. It is a dense, rounded, deciduous shrub that typically grows to 6-10’ tall and may spread over time to as much as 12’ wide when referring to the species, though the ‘Alexandra’ cultivar is more controlled at 4-5’ tall with a slightly larger spread. Funnel-shaped, rose pink flowers (each to 1.25” long) bloom profusely in spring, with a sparse and scattered repeat bloom often occurring in mid to late summer. This specific cultivar, sold under the trade name of WINE AND ROSES, is primarily grown for its profuse reddish-pink spring flowers and its rich purple foliage, earning it the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society Gold Medal Plant Award for 2000.

Tolerances

• Clay Soil

Potential Problems

This cultivar of Weigela exhibits excellent vigor and generally faces no serious insect or disease problems under good cultural practices. Gardeners should remain vigilant for common garden pests like aphids or scale if the plant is stressed or heavily shaded, although significant infestations are rare. Proper sunlight management, as this plant requires full sun for best performance, is the primary proactive step to ensure robust health and minimize stress susceptibility.

If deer browse in your area is heavy, be aware that deer can occasionally nibble on the foliage, though it is generally listed as ‘deer resistant’. By ensuring rich, well-drained soil and adhering to the correct pruning schedule immediately post-bloom, you can virtually eliminate maintenance concerns for your Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ WINE AND ROSES.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Weigela suitable for?

Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ WINE AND ROSES is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ WINE AND ROSES grow?

This shrub typically reaches a mature height between 4 and 5 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 4 to 6 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Weigela need?

For optimal flowering and the richest purple foliage color, this Weigela requires full sun exposure throughout the day.

When does Weigela bloom?

The primary bloom time occurs between April and June, producing profuse reddish-pink flowers.

Conclusion

The Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ WINE AND ROSES is a low-effort, high-impact shrub, celebrated for its unique near-black foliage providing year-round contrast punctuated by brilliant spring flowers. Its tolerance for clay soil and low maintenance profile make it a stalwart selection for hedges, borders, and foundational plantings. Always confirm your local USDA zone compatibility before selecting this superb specimen for your garden design.

Companion Planting Strategies

When selecting companions for the dark foliage of Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ WINE AND ROSES, focus on plants that offer bright greens, yellows, or silvers to maximize their visual impact. Consider pairing it with hostas that have chartreuse or gold leaves, such as ‘Sum and Substance’ or ‘August Moon’, which will glow beside the deep purple of the Weigela. Similarly, lighter-flowering perennials, like white or pale pink peonies or Siberian Iris, provide a stunning backdrop during the Weigela’s main blooming season.

For mid-summer interest after the main Weigela flush fades, incorporate plants that handle similar sun and moisture conditions. Ornamental grasses with fine texture and variegation, such as Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’), can offer movement and contrast near the base of the shrub. Always maintain good air circulation around the base of the Weigela to prevent any potential humidity-related issues, ensuring companions are not planted too densely.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Early Spring (March/April): Apply a light, balanced fertilizer if desired, just as buds begin to swell. Perform any necessary cleanup of winter debris, but avoid heavy pruning now, as flower buds are set on old wood. Ensure the plant receives deep watering if spring rains have been sparse.

Late Spring/Early Summer (Post-Bloom): This is the critical time for shaping. Prune Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ WINE AND ROSES immediately after the last flush of flowers fades to maintain its dense shape and encourage good architecture for next year. This quick shaping action prevents the plant from becoming leggy.

Summer (July/August): Monitor moisture levels closely, especially during heat waves, although established plants only require medium watering. If you notice scattered re-blooms, enjoy them, but no pruning should occur now to protect next season’s flower set. Deadheading is generally not required.

Fall (September/October): Reduce watering as temperatures cool. The foliage of the WINE AND ROSES Weigela will maintain its rich color until leaf drop. Apply a layer of mulch around the base, avoiding direct contact with the crown, to insulate roots for winter protection in the upper end of its hardiness range.