Weigela × 'Dark Horse'
Dark Horse Weigela

Family:

Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family) 22

Genus:

Weigela (Weigela) 6

Plant Type:

Shrub 462

Growth Forms:

Spreading / Branched 76

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 490

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 792

Flower Notes:

Pink (Funnel-form, 1-2" long dark pink flowers; in May-June)

Foliage Notes:

Purple (Dark chocolate-purple foliage with lime green veination, holds color well through the growing season; no fall color change)

Fruit Notes:

Brown (2-valved capsule; not ornamentally important)

Ultimate Height:

2-3 feet

Ultimate Spread:

2-3 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Widely adapted to different soils, but prefers good drainage

Range:

Cultivated origin

Diagnostic Characteristics:

The dark purple leaves have bright green veins and are simple, opposite, elliptic to ovate-oblong, 2-4.5" long by 0.75-1.5" wide, acuminate, rounded at base, and serrate, with a very short petiole. Stem has 2 rows of hairs connecting nodes. Large circular lenticels.

Special Characteristics:

Flowering Characteristics 358

Pollution Tolerant 217

Additional Information

'Dark Horse' is a compact, dwarf cultivar with deep purple leaves and abundant pink flowers. 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. Flowers attract hummingbirds.