Wine and Spirits Weigela

Wine and Spirits Weigela (Weigela florida 'SMNWFGC')

Wine and Spirits Weigela delivers bold contrast with near-black foliage that makes the rest of the planting look sharper and more intentional. It adds season-long depth in beds and borders, so you get impact even when flowers are not at their peak. In late spring, crisp white blooms provide a clean, bright accent that stands out beautifully against the dark leaves. Use it when you want a shrub that feels modern, reads well from a distance, and stays straightforward to maintain.

Distinctive Features

This deciduous weigela is grown for its dramatic dark purplish-black foliage and dense, mounded habit. Clusters of tubular flowers appear in late spring to early summer, typically opening white after buds that can show a subtle pink blush. The plant branches freely, creating a full outline that looks finished without heavy shaping. Flowers help attract hummingbirds and other pollinators during the bloom window.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part sun supports the best foliage color and flowering.
• Soil: Average, well-drained soil is ideal, and it adapts to many soils including clay if drainage is reasonable.
• Water: Water regularly during establishment, then provide moderate moisture with deep watering during extended dry periods.
• USDA Zones: Grows well in zones 4 to 8.
• Mature Size: Typically reaches about 3 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide.
• Habit: Dense, rounded, and mounded with a full, bushy outline.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use the dark foliage and white bloom contrast as a focal point near an entry, patio, or front bed.
• Mixed Borders: Pair with evergreens and perennials to add depth and create a cleaner, more layered look.
• Foundation Planting: Place it where a medium shrub can soften lines while keeping the planting looking modern and intentional.
• Informal Hedge: Plant in a row for a foliage-forward hedge that stays tidy without a clipped look.
• Containers: Grow in a large container to bring bold foliage contrast to decks and smaller outdoor spaces.

Low Maintenance Care

• Pruning: Prune right after flowering to shape the plant and avoid removing next season's flower buds.
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist in the first growing season, then water when the top few inches of soil feels dry.
• Mulching: Mulch the root zone to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch a few inches away from stems.
• Feeding: Apply compost or a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.
• Renewal: Every few years, remove some older stems near the base after flowering to encourage vigorous new growth.

Why Choose Wine and Spirits Weigela?

• Dark Foliage Impact: Near-black leaves add season-long contrast that makes companion plants look sharper.
• Clean Bloom Accent: White flowers provide a bright, crisp highlight against the dark foliage in late spring.
• Pollinator Appeal: Tubular blooms help attract hummingbirds and other pollinators during flowering.
• Deer Resistance: Often shows good resistance to deer, though browsing can still occur where pressure is high.
• Easy Design Upgrade: Strong foliage color gives the landscape a more finished look with minimal extra planting.

Wine and Spirits Weigela is an easy way to add bold contrast and a polished edge to everyday landscapes. Give it sun, reliable drainage, and a quick post-bloom trim, and it will stay full and attractive year after year. Pair it with lighter foliage, silver perennials, or clean evergreen shapes to make the dark leaves and white blooms stand out even more.