Weigela (Weigela 'Black Magic')
Weigela 'Black Magic' is a low-growing deciduous shrub prized for deep pink flowers and burgundy foliage. Ideal for borders.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Weigela ‘Black Magic’ is a standout cultivar prized for its compact size and dramatic foliage, offering excellent year-round structure in the landscape. This variety brightens the spring garden with clusters of deep pink, trumpet-shaped flowers contrasting beautifully against its unique burgundy-greenish leaves. As a low-mounding deciduous shrub, Weigela provides reliable color and texture without demanding extensive care.
This small Weigela variety matures between one and one-and-a-half feet tall, making it perfect for front-of-border placements or low hedges where larger shrubs would overwhelm the space. It adapts well to various conditions, provided it receives adequate sunlight to maintain its dark foliage color. Gardeners appreciate the enduring beauty and low maintenance requirements of Weigela ‘Black Magic’.
Its relatively diminutive stature, coupled with its reliably colorful leaves and appealing spring bloom, secures Weigela ‘Black Magic’ as a gardener favorite. Incorporate this small shrub into foundation plantings or use it as an anchor specimen to add depth to mixed perennial beds.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Deep pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal performance, plant Weigela ‘Black Magic’ in the spring or fall in a location that receives full sun. Although it tolerates very light shade, full sun is necessary to ensure the richest flowering potential and the deepest color saturation of its signature foliage. Ensure the planting site offers average, well-drained soil moisture; while it prefers medium moisture, good drainage is crucial to prevent root issues, even in heavy clay soils.
Water regularly to establish the plant, aiming for consistent medium moisture. Once established, Weigela generally requires standard watering. Pruning is best managed immediately after the spring flowering period concludes; this shaping encourages dense growth for the following year. Avoid pruning heavily in late summer or fall, as this can stimulate new growth vulnerable to winter frost damage.
This shrub is known for its resilience and low maintenance schedule once sited correctly. It requires minimal fuss, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners seeking reliable seasonal impact.
Landscape Uses
Weigela ‘Black Magic’ excels in various landscape roles due to its neat, low-mounded habit and long-lasting foliage. It is highly effective when used as a low hedge, providing a dense, dark line separating garden areas or defining walkways where taller barriers are not desired. Its uniformity makes it excellent for mass plantings or as a repeating element along shrub borders, creating visual rhythm throughout the planting scheme.
Gardeners frequently find Weigela suitable for foundation plantings, placed close to structures where a compact form is required. Because of its small size (rarely exceeding 1.5 feet tall), this Weigela cultivar pairs effectively with taller perennials or smaller evergreens that can provide vertical contrast. Consider planting it alongside silver-leaved plants or bright green hostas to best highlight the burgundy tones of the ‘Black Magic’ foliage.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Weigela is a genus of about 12 species of deciduous shrubs from East Asia, widely grown for their showy spring flowers. The genus name Weigela honors Christian Ehrenfried Weigel (1748-1831). ‘Black Magic’ grows specifically as a low mounded shrub featuring elliptic to oblong to obovate, burgundy-greenish foliage that retains its color through the entire growing season. It produces clusters of deep pink, trumpet-shaped flowers accompanied by yellow anthers along its branches during spring.
Tolerances
- Clay Soil
Potential Problems
Weigela ‘Black Magic’ does not typically suffer from serious insect or disease problems, which contributes significantly to its low maintenance rating. If pests do appear, they are usually minor and manageable with basic horticultural care. Ensure proper air circulation around the shrubs to discourage fungal issues, and avoid over-fertilizing, which can sometimes invite minor aphid infestations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Weigela ‘Black Magic’ suitable for?
Weigela ‘Black Magic’ is hardy and typically thrives in USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Weigela ‘Black Magic’ grow?
This compact shrub generally reaches a mature height between 1 and 1.5 feet tall, spreading between 1.5 and 2 feet wide.
When does Weigela ‘Black Magic’ bloom?
The bloom time for this Weigela is in the mid-to-late spring, usually spanning from April into May, featuring deep pink flowers.
What sun exposure does Weigela ‘Black Magic’ need?
This plant needs full sun for the best flower production and richest foliage color, although it can tolerate brief periods of very light shade.
Conclusion
Weigela ‘Black Magic’ offers exceptional value to the modern garden through its compact form, continuous foliage color, and vibrant spring blossoms. Because this Weigela variety requires low maintenance and handles clay soil, it is a dependable performer. Before planting, confirm your local garden zone is within USDA 4-8 to ensure success with your new Weigela ‘Black Magic’.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions for Weigela ‘Black Magic’ should focus on plants that share similar sun and water needs, specifically thriving in full sun settings with medium moisture. Because this shrub is low and dark-leaved, pairing it with plants that offer contrasting leaf color or texture enhances its visual impact. Consider pairing it with plants that bloom later in the season to extend interest after the Weigela finishes flowering in May.
Good companions include late-blooming ornamental grasses that provide vertical texture, or perennials like Catmint (Nepeta) or Russian Sage (Perovskia) which offer cool blues and purples that complement the deep pink blooms and dark foliage of the Weigela. Avoid planting right against walls or structures where air circulation is poor, as this can negatively affect any shrub’s long-term health.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the critical time for rewarding the Weigela ‘Black Magic’ with early attention. As new growth emerges, perform a light application of balanced fertilizer if your soil is particularly poor, though often this is unnecessary. The most important task occurs immediately after blooming ceases in late spring—this is the ideal window for pruning to maintain its compact, mounded shape and encourage next year’s branching.
During the summer months, monitor moisture levels; while drought tolerant once established, consistent medium water during extended dry spells will keep the foliage looking its best. As autumn approaches, cease any heavy pruning; allow the plant to harden off naturally for winter. Throughout the dormant winter season, minimal care is required, aside perhaps from protecting it from heavy salt spray if planted near driveways—although its hardiness suggests good cold tolerance.
