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Growth Rate
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- Speed: Moderate growth rate.
- Mature Growth: Reaches 1-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, forming a compact and bushy shrub perfect for smaller spaces.
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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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- Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers.
- Wildlife Resistant: Generally resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice for gardens.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Foliage Season: Deciduous (sheds leaves in fall).
- Flowering Season: Late spring to early summer (May to June), with potential for additional blooms in late summer.
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
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Ideal For
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- Cottage gardens
- Pollinator gardens
- Mixed borders
- Container gardening
- Low-maintenance landscapes
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Leaf Description
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- Color: Dark green, providing a beautiful backdrop to the vibrant flowers.
- Form: Ovate, serrated leaves that are glossy and enhance the overall appearance of the plant.
- Fall Interest: Foliage may turn yellow or reddish in fall before dropping.
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Flower Description
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- Color: Bright pink flowers with a slight trumpet shape.
- Form: Funnel-shaped blooms that attract attention and add color to the landscape.
- Bloom Time: Flowers appear in late spring and can continue through summer with proper care.
- Fragrance: Lightly fragrant, attracting pollinators.
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Planting Instructions
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- Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early fall when temperatures are mild.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.
- Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the nursery container, ensuring the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for full growth and air circulation.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- Timing: Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Method: Remove spent flowers and any dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth and tidiness.
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Water Needs
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- Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture during dry spells.
- Soil Moisture: Prefers evenly moist soil; avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.
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Light Needs
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Thrives in full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is recommended for optimal blooming. |
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Harvesting
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Flower Harvesting:- Timing: Harvest flower stems when blooms are fully open, as Weigela flowers do not continue to open significantly after cutting.
- Best Time to Cut: Early morning, when the plant is fully hydrated.
- Method:
- Use clean, sharp pruners.
- Cut stems with several open flowers and a few buds if possible.
- Immediately place in cool water to retain freshness.
- Use in Arrangements: Weigela flowers are suitable for short-term indoor displays but typically do not have a long vase life.
Seed Collection (Optional):- Fruit Type: Produces small, dry seed capsules, not true berries.
- If Desired:
- Allow flowers to fade and seed capsules to mature on the plant.
- Collect capsules when they are brown and dry, usually in late summer to early fall.
- Split open the capsules and store seeds in a cool, dry place.
- Note: Plants grown from seed may not be true to type due to hybridization.
Deadheading & Maintenance:- Deadheading: Optional, as Picobella Rosa has a naturally tidy habit. Removing spent blooms can:
- Encourage a longer blooming season
- Improve plant appearance
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Fertilizing
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- Fertilization Time: Fertilize in early spring as new growth begins.
- Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to support healthy foliage and blooming.
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Additional Care Tips
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- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots.
- Drought Tolerance: While it prefers consistently moist soil, 'Picobella Rosa' can tolerate brief dry spells once established.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free; however, ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
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Pollination
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- Pollination Type: Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing the ecosystem of the garden.
- Fruit Production: May produce small seed capsules after flowering, although primarily valued for its ornamental features
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Companion Plants
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- Astilbe
- Coreopsis
- Salvia
- Daylilies
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