SCIENTIFIC NAME: Weigela florida 'Dark Horse' PP #14,381

COMMON NAME: Dark Horse Weigela

GARDEN SIZE: 3 feet tall x 3 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 4-8

EXPOSURE: Full sun

WATER & SOIL: Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry; thrives in average, well-drained soils

HABIT (FORM): Low, spreading shrub

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; dark bronze with lime green venation

FLOWERS: Purplish-pink tubular flowers, blooms in spring

PLANT ORIGIN: Northern China, Korea, and Japan

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects.

FERTILIZING: Not necessary, but organic compost may be applied in the spring.

PRUNING: Not necessary, but may be shortened by no more than a third while dormant (February is good) to promote bushiness

TOXICITY FLAGS: Generally considered non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

USES: Hedges