Weigela hortensis

(Siebold & Zucc.) K. Koch

Caprifoliaceae Edible: Leaves 246 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Weigela hortensis is a species of flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae, native to Hokkaido and Honshu islands of Japan. A rounded shrub reaching 10 ft (3 m), and hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9, it is occasionally found in commerce.

Description

A shrub. It grows 3 m high and spreads 3 m wide. The leaves are 10 cm long and have teeth. They are downy underneath. The flowers are rose pink. They are 35 mm long and in clusters of 3 flowers.

Edible Uses

Young leaves can be cooked and eaten, though they are considered a famine food used only when all else fails. The leaves are also used to make a tea.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 7-9.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, Japan, Slovenia,

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 Scented Plants

Notes

There are about 12 Weigelia species.

References (5)

Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1483
Hort. dendr. 298. 1853
http://www.botanic-gardens-ljubljana.com/en/plants
Lord, E.E., & Willis, J.H., 1999, Shrubs and Trees for Australian gardens. Lothian. p 270
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/