Weigela florida Picobella Rosso

The Picobella Rosso Weigela is undoubtedly one of the best recent varieties of this shrub that is so widespread in our gardens. It has a very compact habit, suitable for growing in containers on a balcony or terrace, as well as in borders in the garden. Above all, its flowering is particularly long-lasting and abundant, with a bright red colour, as it lasts from May to October with just a slight lull in August. Its fine foliage, a bright green, beautifully enhances its pretty bell-shaped flowers. Like other Weigelas, this plant is easy to grow in ordinary, moist but well-drained soil. It is very hardy and adaptable, making it suitable for all gardens.

The Picobella Rosso Weigela is derived, among others, from W. florida, native to northeastern China, Korea, and Japan. The Weigela genus includes about ten Asian species and belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family, which comprises more than 400 species, including many ornamental plants. It is in fact the same family as honeysuckles (Lonicera), Abelia, Leycesteria, or Heptacodium, to name just a few well-known examples. Weigela florida, which in nature forms a 3 m (10 ft) tall shrub with pink flowers, was introduced to Europe in the mid-19th century. The famous Lorraine nurseryman Victor Lemoine hybridised this genus extensively to introduce new varieties, just as he did with lilacs and many other ornamental plants.

This new cultivar was selected by horticulturist Bert Verhoef in his nursery in Hazerswoude-Dorp, north of The Hague, in the Netherlands. 'Picobella Rosso' has an exceptionally compact growth. Its vegetation is naturally compact, forming a spread cushion of about 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) in height and 80 to 100 cm (32 to 39 in) in width at maturity. The foliage of this variety is deciduous and medium green in colour. It consists of fine, lanceolate, slightly undulate leaves that provide an attractive backdrop for its magnificent flowering. The funnel-shaped flowers are produced abundantly from May to October, with a slight summer break in August. They are a rich and vivid red, arranged in corymbs at the tips of the previous year's branches. This flowering is highly melliferous and nectar-rich, renewing itself from spring to autumn without the need to remove faded flowers, as they disappear naturally. Hardy down to -25 °C (-13 °F), the 'Picobella Rosso' Weigela thrives in sunny or semi-shaded positions, in moist but well-drained soil. Its tolerance to various pH levels is highly appreciated, as it can withstand slightly acidic, neutral, or alkaline soils, making it very adaptable. A robust plant, it requires no maintenance or pruning. At most, you may lightly trim it after the first spring flowering if you wish to limit its already compact size, but this is absolutely not necessary!

With its endless flowering and compact habit, this small Weigela will be perfect as a border plant, combined with slightly taller shrubs in the background. To stay within a range of easy plants, opt for the classic Bridal Wreath Spirea, a 2 m (7 ft) tall shrub that is covered in white flowers from April to June. Equally easy to grow, Butterfly Bushes will also be good companions, offering a wide range of flower colours, from blue to purple, white, lavender, or even yellow, on green, grey, or variegated foliage. There is also plenty of generosity among the Crape Myrtles, or Indian Lilacs, which enchant with their magical summer blooms. With a similar size to Picobella Rosso, the essential Shrubby Cinquefoils can accompany it at the forefront of your summer border.