Dark Horse Weigela (Weigela florida ‘Dark Horse’)

Dark Horse Weigela (Weigela florida ‘Dark Horse’) is a new cultivar that is characterized by a superior compact habit, dark purple leaves, and pink flowers that contrast with dark foliage! In combination, these traits set Dark Horse apart from all other existing varieties of Weigela!

This is an ideal choice for late spring color in combination with conifers and broadleaf evergreens. Will attract hummingbirds! This old-fashioned, flowering deciduous shrub has very dark foliage and deep pink flowers that contrast well with the foliage.

Dark Horse Weigela has a dense, rounded form and is hardier than some other space-saving smaller cultivars. Featuring improved cold tolerance throughout USDA growing zones 4 to 8, this gorgeous colorway is easy to grow and very low-maintenance.

Planting and Application:

Growing just 2-3 feet in height and width, Dark Horse is a unique smaller flowering plant that lights up planters and container gardens! Brighten porches and patios, sunny balconies, and fancy urns throughout the Cottage and Pollinator garden for height and color with ease! Accent your front door or along your pool deck with these darling bloomers!

Dark Horse Weigela is ideal for use as facer plants or low edging along an evergreen hedge or your foundation plantings that may have gotten a bit ‘leggy’ in their maturity. Plus you’ll gain a major burst of color! Plant these gorgeous little flowering shrubs for curb appeal, cut flowers, and nectar for bees and butterflies! Weigela’s smaller size is a darling accent that works for your small garden beds and courtyards!

• Deep Pink Trumpet-Shaped Flowers
• Dark Purple Leaves
• Attract Hummingbirds & Pollinators
• Unique Cut Flowers & Garden Texture
• Great in Containers, Back Border, Vertical Interest & Specimens

Tips for Care:

Weigela is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun for the best flowering and foliage color, but will tolerate very light or sun-dappled shade. Plant Weigela in well-drained rich soil with moderate, regular moisture. Top dress with a thick layer of wood chip mulch, but please take care to ensure the mulch doesn’t touch the stems directly.

It’s amenable to pruning, so you can shape it as needed but because of its compact, dwarf size and naturally tidy form, you’ll appreciate its low-maintenance nature! Rejuvenate your mature Weigela by pruning out the oldest, fattest stems down to the ground every three years or so. Leave the thin, young stems to provide the most amazing blooms for you!

• Full Sun & Partial Shade
• Moderate Moisture Needs
• Well-Drained Enriched Soil & Mulched Beds
• Prune After Flowering & Renewal Prune Every 3- 5 Years
• Deer Seldom Bother These Cold Hardy Shrubs
• Carefree & Easy to Grow & Pest Free

Dark Horse Weigela makes a great landscape plant, and it retains its color interest throughout the season!