Very Fine Wine® Weigela

Weigela florida 'Very Fine Wine'

Proven Winners®

Hardy in zones 4-8 with superior cold tolerance and reduced winter dieback compared to other weigela varieties
Deep burgundy to nearly black foliage provides dramatic color contrast from spring through fall frost
Abundant hot pink tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators in late spring with sporadic rebloom through summer
Compact 2 to 3 foot size perfect for foundation plantings, mixed borders, or containers without constant pruning

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Very Fine Wine® performs best with at least six hours of direct sun daily. Full sun intensifies the deep purple foliage color and maximizes flowering. Plants grown in partial shade will still bloom but may have greener leaves and fewer flowers.

Soil: Prefers moderately acidic to slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 that drains well. Tolerates a range of soil types including clay as long as water doesn't puddle. If your soil is heavy clay, work in compost or plant on a slight mound to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply twice a week during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, water weekly during hot, dry periods. Mature plants tolerate some drought but perform best with consistent moisture. In containers, check soil every few days during summer as pots dry out faster than ground plantings.

Pruning Tips

Prune immediately after the main spring bloom finishes, typically late spring to early summer. This timing allows new growth to develop and set flower buds for next year's display since weigela blooms on old wood. Remove up to one third of the oldest stems at ground level and lightly shape as needed. Avoid fall or winter pruning as this removes next year's flowering wood.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs in early spring before new growth begins. A 10-10-10 or similar ratio works well. Spread fertilizer evenly around the base starting six inches from the stems and extending beyond the branch spread. Avoid fertilizing after mid-July as late feeding can stimulate tender new growth that's vulnerable to winter damage.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

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Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

About Very Fine Wine® Weigela

Very Fine Wine® Weigela (Weigela florida 'SMNWFGC') delivers the drama of dark foliage combined with profuse pink blooms in a perfectly compact package. This Proven Winners® ColorChoice® introduction improves on earlier varieties with exceptional cold hardiness, deeper burgundy foliage that holds its color all season, and more abundant flowering that brings hummingbirds streaming into your garden from late spring through early summer.

Key Features

A Weigela Built for Northern Gardens

Gardeners in zones 4 and 5 will appreciate this cultivar's superior winter hardiness and reduced tip dieback. Where other weigelas struggle with cold damage, Very Fine Wine® bounces back reliably each spring with minimal pruning required. The compact growth habit tops out at just 2 to 3 feet in both height and width, making it considerably smaller than traditional weigela varieties that can reach 6 feet or more.

Season-Long Foliage Interest

The foliage is the first thing you'll notice. Leaves emerge deep burgundy in spring and intensify to nearly black-purple by midsummer when grown in full sun. This dark backdrop makes the hot pink tubular flowers pop with vibrant contrast when bloom time arrives in late spring. Even after the main flowering flush, the rich foliage continues earning its keep as a color accent in mixed borders, foundation plantings, or containers through fall.

Hummingbird and Pollinator Magnet

When Very Fine Wine® blooms, expect company. The tubular pink flowers are perfectly sized for hummingbird beaks, and you'll see these aerial acrobats visiting repeatedly throughout the day. Native bees and butterflies also work the blooms for nectar. While the heaviest flowering occurs in late spring, this variety often produces scattered rebloom through summer, especially if lightly deadheaded after the first flush.

Landscape Uses

Landscape Uses and Design Ideas

The compact size makes Very Fine Wine® incredibly versatile. Use it as a low foundation planting where it won't block windows. Mass several plants along a pathway for a ribbon of dark foliage punctuated with spring color. In mixed perennial borders, the deep purple leaves create contrasts against chartreuse hostas, silver artemisia, or bright green ferns. The mounding habit also works beautifully in large containers on patios or flanking entryways.

Care Guide

Proven Performance with Minimal Fuss

This is a shrub that delivers maximum impact with minimal demands. Once established, it tolerates summer heat and moderate drought. Deer typically leave it alone, and serious pest or disease problems are rare. The moderate growth rate means less frequent pruning compared to fast-growing shrubs. Simply prune after spring flowering to maintain shape and remove any winter-damaged stems, then stand back and enjoy the show year after year. For gardeners seeking bold foliage color, reliable flowering, and pollinator value in a tidy package, Very Fine Wine® Weigela earns a permanent spot in the landscape.

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Very Fine Wine® Weigela joins our collection of exceptional flowering shrubs and proven winners® varieties that deliver reliable garden performance. For gardeners seeking easy-care options, explore our low maintenance plants and deer resistant plants collections for complementary landscape choices. Discover more about this versatile genus in Our Top 5 Favorite Weigela Shrubs! and find seasonal interest companions in Fothergilla Shrubs: Bold Beauty Every Season!

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Growing Zones 4-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Very Fine Wine® Weigela suitable for?

Very Fine Wine® Weigela thrives in USDA zones 4-8. This cultivar offers exceptional cold hardiness with minimal winter dieback, making it particularly reliable for northern gardeners in zones 4-5 where other weigelas often struggle. Plant in full sun for best foliage color and flowering performance.

How tall and wide does Very Fine Wine® Weigela grow at maturity?

Very Fine Wine® Weigela reaches a compact 2 to 3 feet tall and wide at maturity. This makes it considerably smaller than traditional weigela varieties that often grow 6+ feet. Perfect for foundation plantings where it won't block windows, available at naturehills.com.

What type of soil does Very Fine Wine® Weigela need to thrive?

Very Fine Wine® Weigela adapts to most well-draining soils and isn't particularly fussy about soil type. It performs best in full sun to develop that signature deep burgundy-to-black foliage color. Avoid waterlogged conditions and you'll have a reliable performer in zones 4-8.

How often should I water my newly planted Very Fine Wine® Weigela?

Water newly planted Very Fine Wine® Weigela deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month, then reduce to weekly watering as it establishes. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 2 inches down - water when dry at that depth.

Is Very Fine Wine® Weigela considered a fast-growing or slow-growing shrub?

Very Fine Wine® Weigela has a moderate growth rate, reaching its mature size of 2-3 feet in about 3-4 years. This compact cultivar grows more slowly than traditional weigelas, which helps maintain its tidy shape with minimal pruning required.

Can Very Fine Wine® Weigela be shipped to my location year-round?

Very Fine Wine® Weigela ships best during dormant season from late fall through early spring. This cold-hardy shrub (zones 4-9) establishes most successfully when planted before active growth begins. Check your local frost dates and plan for spring planting after soil thaws.

What plants pair well with Very Fine Wine® Weigela in a landscape design?

The dark burgundy foliage pairs beautifully with chartreuse hostas, silver artemisia, or bright green boxwood for dramatic contrast. In zones 4-5, combine with other cold-hardy perennials like coral bells or astilbe that complement the pink blooms. Plant companions 3-4 feet away to accommodate its 2-3 foot spread.

Does Very Fine Wine® Weigela require regular pruning?

Very Fine Wine® Weigela requires minimal pruning due to its naturally compact 2-3 foot growth habit and superior cold hardiness in zones 4-5. Unlike larger weigela varieties, this cultivar has reduced tip dieback and bounces back reliably each spring. Light deadheading after the first bloom flush can encourage summer rebloom.

Is this weigela susceptible to any common diseases or pests?

Weigelas are generally resistant to serious diseases and pests, with aphids being the most common issue on new growth. Very Fine Wine® shows good overall health due to its improved breeding. Watch for aphids in spring and treat with insecticidal soap if populations build up.