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Growth Rate
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Moderate; forms a dense, rounded, compact mound.
Mature size: about 20–24 inches tall and 18–24 inches wide.
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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 hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies with its tubular, nectar-rich flowers.
Compact form offers minimal nesting space but high pollinator value.
Deer resistant; seldom browsed due to taste and foliage texture.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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Spring: Heavy flush of cherry-red flowers.
Summer: Continued color from dark foliage and occasional rebloom.
Fall: Foliage retains color before fading with frost.
Winter: Branch structure adds visual interest in dormant landscapes.
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Ideal For
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– Excellent for borders, containers, foundation plantings, small hedges, or as an accent in modern landscapes and pollinator gardens |
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Leaf Description
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Glossy, deep mahogany to nearly black foliage that provides striking contrast to bright red blooms.
Dense, lance-shaped leaves with smooth edges form a lush, uniform canopy.
Retains dark color throughout the season in full sun.
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Flower Description
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Abundant cherry-red, bell-shaped flowers clustered along arching stems.
Blooms profusely in late spring, with lighter rebloom potential in midsummer.
Flowers stand out vividly against dark foliage, adding dramatic color contrast.
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Planting Instructions
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Select a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Loosen the surrounding soil and mix in compost or aged organic matter to enhance drainage and root development.
Place the shrub so the top of the root ball sits level with the soil surface, then backfill and water thoroughly.
Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer around the base to conserve moisture, keeping mulch a few inches away from stems.
For grouped plantings, space 18–24 inches apart to allow airflow and proper growth.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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Prune immediately after flowering in late spring, as next year’s buds form on old wood.
Remove spent flower clusters to promote potential light rebloom later in summer.
Thin out older stems every 2–3 years to rejuvenate and encourage strong new growth.
Avoid heavy pruning after midsummer to prevent bud removal.
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Water Needs
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Keep soil evenly moist during the first growing season to establish roots.
Once mature, tolerates moderate drought but blooms best with regular deep watering.
Avoid waterlogged or compacted soils; good drainage is essential.
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Light Needs
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Performs best in full sun (6+ hours daily) for maximum bloom and deepest foliage color.
Tolerates partial shade but may flower less abundantly and have lighter foliage color.
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Harvesting
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After flowering, produces small, dry, brown seed capsules that are not ornamental.
For neat appearance, remove spent blooms before seed formation.
Best propagated from softwood cuttings in early summer rather than seed.
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Fertilizing
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Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring before new growth begins.
Avoid excess nitrogen, which reduces flowering.
Annual compost or organic mulch helps maintain soil health and moisture.
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Pollination
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Insect-pollinated, mainly by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Self-fertile, but cross-pollination with other Weigela varieties may increase seed formation.
Flowers provide excellent early nectar for pollinators.
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Companion Plants
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Perennials: Salvia, Coreopsis, Echinacea, and Nepeta for complementary bloom colors.
Shrubs: Spiraea, Potentilla, or Dwarf Lilac for layered seasonal color.
Foliage accents: Lime-green or gold-leaved Heuchera, Barberry, or contrasting evergreens.
Works beautifully in borders, containers, or small landscape groupings.
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