Plants

Viburnum trilobum

[American Cranberrybush Viburnum]

Widely tolerant of soils and microclimates. May be troubled by aphids. Drought resistance is not good. Fruits are used in preserves.

Viburnum trilobum 'Bailey Compact'

[Bailey's Compact American Cranberrybush Viburnum]

Widely tolerant of soils and microclimates. May be troubled by aphids. Drought resistance is not good. Fruits are used in preserves.

Viburnum × dentatum 'Fireworks'

[Fireworks Arrowwood Viburnum]

Weigela floribunda

[Crimson Weigela]

Less common, but very similar to Weigela florida (Old Fashioned Weigela), primarily differing in flowers (dark red-brown and not as showy) and less cold hardiness (USDA zone 6). Spreading, dense, rounded shrub, with branches eventually arching to the ground. Extremely adaptable, but prefers good drainage and full sun. Some drought sensitivity. A 3-year pruning cycle improves form and prevents development of legginess.

Weigela florida 'Verwig 6' [Sold as Sonic Bloom® Red]

[Sonic Bloom Red Reblooming Weigela]

Wisteria floribunda

[Japanese Wisteria]

Use plants propagated vegetatively from heavy-flowering clones, as much variation exists in flowering. Some find it difficult to induce flowering. Too much nitrogen may promote more vegetative than flower bud formation. Can damage light-weight supporting structures, as vine can develop several inches in diameter.

Wisteria frutescens 'Amethyst Falls'

[Amethyst Falls Wisteria]

Slower growth, more compact habit, and slightly smaller foliage than the species

Wisteria macrostachya 'Betty Matthews' [sold as Summer Cascade™]

[Summer Cascade Wisteria]

Wisteria sinensis

[Chinese Wisteria]

Tolerant of widely different conditions once established, but this plant does not like being transplanted and establishment is sometimes slow. Once established, though, can even become invasive. Can be pruned as a standard, or pruned nearly to the ground to rejuvenate. Prune after flowering to 6" of main branch, and if pruned later, avoid removing the fatter flower buds that develop later. Needs a strong support structure. Use plants propagated vegetatively from heavy-flowering clones, as…