Weigela florida "Alexandra"

• Type: deciduous flowering shrub
• Botanical name: Weigela florida 'Alexandra'
• Height and spread: 1.2–1.8 m / 1–1.5 m
• Flowering: late May – June, light repeat in summer; rosy-pink tubular flowers
• Foliage: bronze-green in spring, wine-purple in summer, almost burgundy-black in autumn
• Light: full sun (foliage greens in shade), sheltered from wind
• Soil: fertile, loose, moist but well-drained
• Hardiness: USDA 4 (RHS H6); shoot tips may be nipped in Estonia
• Pruning: right after the first flowering – flowers on last year's shoots
• Use: informal hedges, mixed borders, groups, specimen
• Size: potted plant

Planting. Weigela wants a sunny or lightly shaded spot sheltered from cold winds – by a south- or west-facing wall or among other shrubs. The soil should be fertile, loose and moist but free-draining; on heavy clay, drainage is essential. Dig a 50×50 cm hole with compost in the bottom and do not bury the root collar. In Estonia spring and early summer are the best planting times, so the plant can root well before winter; space plants at their mature width.

Watering and feeding. Water regularly in the first year and in dry spells – 10 L per plant once a week. Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser and in early summer with a phosphorus-potassium feed for flowering; give no nitrogen after July so the shoots ripen before winter. A 5–7 cm mulch keeps moisture in and insulates the roots.

Care. Weigela forms its flower buds on last year's shoots, so the main pruning is done right after the first flowering: cut faded branches back to strong young shoots and every 3–4 years remove the oldest stems at the base. In spring just remove frost-damaged tips. In a harsh Estonian winter the shoot tips can be nipped – the shrub recovers quickly; mulch the root area in autumn.

Gardener's tip. The dark foliage of 'Alexandra' is a perfect backdrop for lighter neighbours: plant low golden spiraeas ('Golden Princess', 'Gold Mound') or white hydrangeas in front for a contrasting display all season.