Weigela (Weigela florida 'Bramwell' FINE WINE)
Discover Weigela florida 'Bramwell' FINE WINE, a compact Weigela shrub boasting deep burgundy foliage and charming rose pink flowers.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Weigela florida ‘Bramwell’ FINE WINE is a highly desirable deciduous shrub celebrated for its rich, dark foliage that provides season-long contrast in the garden. This cultivar of Weigela offers a dense, rounded habit, making it an excellent choice for structure without demanding excessive space. Gardeners appreciate the profuse display of funnel-shaped, rose pink spring flowers that attract hummingbirds.
This specific Weigela variant is noted for staying relatively compact, typically reaching only 2 to 4 feet tall and wide, offering an improved performance over similar selections. Its burgundy-purple leaves truly mimic the color of a fine dark wine, living up to its trade name, FINE WINE.
As a low-maintenance plant, Weigela florida ‘Bramwell’ FINE WINE thrives with minimal fuss once established, providing reliable seasonal interest through blooms and foliage, securing its place in modern landscape design.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-4 ft
- Spread: 2-4 ft
- Bloom Time: April to June
- Bloom Description: Rose pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Weigela in the spring or fall after the risk of hard frost has passed. Ensure the location receives full sun for the best foliage color and most abundant flowering, although Weigela florida ‘Bramwell’ FINE WINE can tolerate dappled shade. It prefers average, moist, well-drained soils, but remember this shrub is highly tolerant of clay soils, adding to its versatility.
Provide medium water, especially during establishment or periods of drought. Overwatering should be avoided, as good drainage is key to root health. Fertilization is rarely necessary; low maintenance is a key benefit of this Weigela selection.
Pruning should be done selectively and immediately after the main spring bloom concludes if shaping is desired. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season, as this may remove next year’s flowering wood. Propagate this handsome shrub using stem cuttings.
Landscape Uses
The compact nature of Weigela florida ‘Bramwell’ FINE WINE makes it wonderfully adaptable for various landscape roles. Its deep color shines when used effectively in mixed borders or planted along property margins where a low hedge is desired. Being space-efficient, this Weigela is perfect for foundation plantings where taller shrubs might overwhelm the architecture.
Consider planting it alongside plants that contrast with its dark foliage, such as silvery artemisias or bright green hostas, to maximize its visual impact. Its neat, rounded form also makes it an excellent specimen shrub when a focal point is needed in a smaller garden setting.
If you plan to use it as a summer screen or low hedge, plant multiple specimens closely together. The flowering display is attractive to hummingbirds, adding dynamic wildlife interest to borders.
Standout Features
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. Branching is somewhat coarse, and branches on mature shrubs tend to arch toward the ground. 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. Elliptic to obovate, medium green leaves (to 4.5” long) with serrate margins retain good color throughout the growing season. Insignificant fall color. Fruit is inconspicuous. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds.The genus name Weigela honors Christian Ehrenfried Weigel (1748-1831), German professor at the University of Geifswald.The specific epithet florida means “freely flowering”, in reference to the flowering habit of this species.‘Bramwell’, commonly sold under the trade name of FINE WINE, is a dense, rounded, deciduous weigela that typically grows to 2-4’ ft tall and as wide, and is noted for its compact shape, pink flowers and dark burgundy foliage. It is being sold in commerce as an improved version of W. Florida‘Alexandra’ WINE AND ROSES. Burgundy-purple leaves retain good color throughout the growing season. Leaf color purportedly resembles the color of a fine dark wine, hence the trademark name. U.S. Plant Patent Applied For (PPAF).
Tolerances
- Clay Soil
Potential Problems
This specific Weigela cultivar shows good resilience; there are generally no serious insect or disease problems reported for Weigela florida ‘Bramwell’ FINE WINE. Healthy plants grown in appropriate sun and moisture conditions are rarely stressed. If minor pests like aphids appear, a strong spray of water or horticultural oil is usually sufficient for control without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Monitor foliage closely in heavy shade, as lack of adequate sunlight can sometimes lead to susceptibility to mildew, although this is uncommon. Proper placement in full sun, as recommended for best flowering, also helps ensure robust plant health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Weigela suitable for?
The Weigela florida ‘Bramwell’ FINE WINE is suitable for USDA Zones 4 through 8, offering good cold tolerance for many regions.
How large does Weigela grow?
This compact cultivar typically reaches a mature height and spread between 2 to 4 feet.
What sun exposure does Weigela florida ‘Bramwell’ FINE WINE need?
For optimal performance, including the richest burgundy foliage and best bloom set, this Weigela requires full sun exposure.
When does Weigela bloom?
This shrub produces its primary flush of rose pink flowers between April and June.
Conclusion
The Weigela florida ‘Bramwell’ FINE WINE offers unbeatable value due to its striking dark foliage, compact habit, and low-maintenance cultural needs. Incorporating this colorful Weigela into your garden plan guarantees enhanced texture and reliable early-season flowers. Before planting, confirm that your climate falls within USDA Zones 4-8 to ensure this beautiful shrub thrives for years to come.
Companion Planting
When selecting neighbors for your Weigela florida ‘Bramwell’ FINE WINE, consider plants that either echo its texture or provide dramatic complementary color. Because this Weigela prefers similar average, medium-moisture conditions, pairing it with other hardy, sun-loving shrubs works well. Consider using bright green or chartreuse foliage plants, as the contrast against the burgundy leaves of FINE WINE is spectacular.
Good companions include plants like Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’) at the edge of a border, or upright, silver-leaved perennials such as Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina). These neighbors help define the space and highlight the deep tones of the Weigela.
Ensure companions do not aggressively compete for root space or shade the Weigela too heavily, as full sun is required for this cultivar to maintain its advertised leaf color.
Wildlife Benefits
The funnel-shaped flowers of Weigela are a genuine magnet for avian visitors. Specifically, the blossoms on Weigela florida ‘Bramwell’ FINE WINE are known to be attractive to hummingbirds, providing them with early-season nectar when many other long-season bloomers have yet to emerge.
While this deciduous shrub is grown primarily for its ornamental foliage and flowers, providing any dense shrub cover is beneficial for local bird populations seeking shelter. Planting it near screening hedges or property margins can enhance local biodiversity.
Planting an entire grouping of Weigela ensures a substantial, reliable nectar source during the spring bloomtime for these energetic visitors. Gardeners focused on creating a wildlife-friendly space should certainly consider this dependable flowering shrub.
