Weigela floribunda
(Siebold & Zucc.) K. Koch
Crimson Weigela
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Summary
Source: WikipediaWeigela floribunda, the crimson weigela, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae. It is native to Honshu and Shikoku, Japan, and it has been introduced to Bulgaria and to Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts in the US. A shrub reaching 3 m (10 ft), it has dark red to crimson funnel-shaped flowers.
Description
A shrub. It grows 3 m high and spreads 2.4 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. The stems arch over. The leaves are slender and have teeth. They are slightly hairy above and white and woolly underneath. The flowers are dark red. There are 3 in the axils of the leaves.
Edible Uses
Young leaves can be cooked and eaten, but are considered a famine food used only when all else fails.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It can grow in full sun or partial shade. The soil needs to be fertile and well-drained. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.
Where It Grows
Asia, Australia, Central Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Tajikistan,
Propagation
Sow seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in late winter or early spring. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame for their first winter, then plant out in late spring or early summer. Softwood basal cuttings, 10–12cm long, can be taken in early summer and rooted in sandy soil in a cold frame. Half-ripe cuttings, 8–10cm with a heel, can be taken in July or August and rooted in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood from the current season's growth, 20cm long, can be taken in November and rooted in a sheltered outdoor nursery bed.
Other Uses
None known Special Uses
Notes
There are about 12 Weigelia species.
Synonyms
References (5)
- Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1483
- Hort. dendr. 298. 1853
- Lord, E.E., & Willis, J.H., 1999, Shrubs and Trees for Australian gardens. Lothian. p 270
- Marinelli, J. (Ed), 2004, Plant. DK. p 127 (As Weigela florida)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
