crimson weigela
Weigela floribunda (Siebold & Zucc.) K.Koch
Crimson weigela is a Japanese shrub whose dark red flowers helped shape familiar garden hybrids. Introduced to Europe around 1860, it has contributed colour to several cultivated selections. The species itself reaches about three metres and bears flowers on growth formed during the previous year. Christian and Elliott, 2019: Weigela floribunda, Trees and Shrubs Online
Botanical name
Kew accepts Weigela floribunda (Siebold & Zucc.) K.Koch, matching the catalog’s identity with standardised author spacing. Kew POWO: Weigela floribunda
Recognizing the plant
Young branches have two conspicuous hairy ridges. Leaves are elliptic to broader near the tip, with shallow teeth and hairs concentrated along the veins. Flowers appear singly or in groups of up to three. Their funnels widen gradually and open into five lobes; the style projects beyond the corolla. Later, slender, slightly curved capsules split from the tip and release small seeds with narrow wings on three sides. Christian and Elliott, 2019: Weigela floribunda, Trees and Shrubs Online
Seasonal development
Japan, Flora of Japan account
Flowers are recorded in May–June, followed by mature fruits from September to December. Christian and Elliott, 2019: Weigela floribunda, Trees and Shrubs Online
Native range
It is native to central and western Honshu and to Shikoku in Japan. The flora-based account records open places between about 100 and 1,700 metres, spanning lowland and mountain settings. Kew POWO: Weigela floribundaChristian and Elliott, 2019: Weigela floribunda, Trees and Shrubs Online
Botanical sources
- Kew POWO: Weigela floribunda
- Christian and Elliott, 2019: Weigela floribunda, Trees and Shrubs Online
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.