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Growth Rate
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- Average Growth Rate: Moderate, typically growing about 12 to 24 inches per year.
- Mature Height: Reaches about 3 to 4 feet.
- Mature Width: Spreads to around 3 to 5 feet, creating a full and bushy appearance.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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'Minor Black' attracts various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thanks to its abundant flowers. Birds may also visit to feed on the seeds produced after flowering. |
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Foliage Season: Evergreen (year-round foliage).
- Flowering Season: No significant flowers; primarily valued for foliage.
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
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Ideal For
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Borders, foundation plantings, and containers. Enhance your garden with the striking beauty of Weigela 'Minor Black'! |
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Leaf Description
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The leaves are deep purple to almost black, providing a dramatic backdrop for the bright pink flowers. They are oval-shaped and create a lush, full appearance. |
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Flower Description
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The flowers are trumpet-shaped, bright pink, and arranged in clusters. Their vibrant color contrasts beautifully with the dark foliage, attracting attention and pollinators alike. |
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Planting Instructions
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- Best Time to Plant: Spring or early fall.
- Planting Method: Choose a well-draining location, dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball, place the shrub in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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Prune after flowering to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. A light pruning can also encourage denser growth. The best time to prune is in late spring or early summer. |
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Water Needs
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- Frequency: Water regularly during the first year to establish roots, then water weekly during dry spells.
- Amount: Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging.
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Light Needs
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Weigela 'Minor Black' thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring at least 6 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth and flowering. |
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Harvesting
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Not applicable, as this plant is primarily ornamental and not harvested for any products. |
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Fertilizing
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Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support vigorous growth and abundant flowering. |
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Additional Care Tips
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- Pests: Generally resistant to pests, but watch for common issues like aphids and spider mites.
- Diseases: Susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils; ensure good drainage.
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Pollination
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Weigela 'Minor Black' is primarily insect-pollinated, attracting bees and butterflies to its vibrant blooms. |
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Companion Plants
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Foliage Contrast Companions:- Spiraea 'Goldmound' or 'Magic Carpet' – Vibrant golden foliage contrasts beautifully with the dark leaves of Weigela.
- Heuchera 'Lime Rickey' or 'Caramel' – Bright or warm-toned foliage adds color balance beneath the shrub.
- Hosta 'Patriot' or 'Sum and Substance' – Adds bold texture and light foliage contrast in partial shade.
- Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' (Japanese Forest Grass) – Graceful, variegated foliage adds motion and color contrast.
Flowering Companions:- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' – Deep purple flower spikes echo Weigela’s dark foliage while contrasting the pink blooms.
- Geranium 'Rozanne' – Long-blooming, mounding plant with violet-blue flowers pairs well with Weigela's upright form.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' – Fine-textured foliage and soft yellow flowers add a light, airy complement.
- Nepeta 'Walker's Low' – Lavender-blue flowers soften Weigela’s bold foliage and attract pollinators.
Structure & Seasonal Interest:- Boxwood (Buxus spp.) – Evergreen structure that adds year-round formality beneath or beside Weigela.
- Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass) – Adds flowing movement and late-season interest.
- Sedum 'Autumn Joy' – Succulent foliage and fall-blooming pink flowers complement the seasonal transition.
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