Proven Winners® Vinho Verde® Weigela

Introducing a unique variegated The Weigela! Vinho Verde® Weigela PP#34,297 (Weigela florida 'SMNWFBGV') is a dramatic, dark-leaved shrub with spring flair and season-long garden interest! Though not a heavy bloomer, its foliage is the star of the show.

Brought to you by Proven Winners®, this captivating deciduous shrub features rich olive green leaves edged in near-black burgundy tones, especially vivid in spring and early summer. In late spring, it produces a light flush of soft pink flowers, offering a subtle contrast against its moody foliage.

This Weigela grows in a neat, rounded shape, topping out around 3–5 feet tall and wide. Its leaves are ovate and glossy, and the color intensifies with sun exposure. Unlike many Weigelas known for their floral show, Vinho Verde® earns its place with dramatic foliage color from spring through fall. In autumn, the foliage may soften in tone, offering seasonal change and a pleasing transition.

Key Features

• Deep olive green and near-black burgundy foliage
• Light pink spring flowers
• Upright mounded habit, 4–5 feet tall and wide
• Deer-resistant yet hummingbird and pollinator-friendly
• Cold hardy to USDA Zone 4
• Great foliage color in full sun

Landscaping Uses

This deciduous shrub grows to 3–5 feet tall and wide with a dense, mounded habit that looks tidy all season.

It belongs to the Honeysuckle family, is pollinator-friendly, and serves well in foundation plantings, mixed borders, or as a bold contrast plant. It’s a cousin to Wine & Roses®, but with unique coloring that sets it apart. If you’re looking for a landscape plant that brings bold foliage with little fuss, this Weigela is a top contender!

• Eye-catching foliage accent in mixed borders
• Foundation or low hedge planting
• Specimen or focal shrub for foliage contrast
• Works in modern or cottage gardens alike
• Pollinator and wildlife gardens
• Can be grown in large containers
• Excellent in urban landscapes due to pollution tolerance

Care and Maintenance

Vinho Verde® Weigela is an easy-to-grow deciduous shrub known for its vivid foliage and compact, fuss-free form. It’s sun-loving, drought-tolerant once established, and thrives in most garden soils.

Native to parts of East Asia, Weigela florida is beloved for its ease, deer resistance, and resilience in urban environments. Hardy in USDA Zones 4–8, Vinho Verde® tolerates cold winters and hot summers alike.

• Planting Time: Spring or fall
• Sun Needs: Full sun for the best foliage color (6+ hours)
• Soil Needs: Needs well-drained soil but tolerates clay and urban conditions
• Moisture Needs: Moderate moisture needs but drought tolerant once established
• Arborist Mulch: A 3–4 inch layer of bark mulch helps retain moisture and moderate soil temperature
• Fertilization Needs: Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring
• Pruning Info: Prune immediately after flowering. Weigela shrubs blooms on old wood
• Renewal Pruning: Every 3–4 years, remove 1/3 of the oldest stems to the ground
• Special Needs/Perks:
• Deer resistant
• Urban/Pollution-tolerant
• Low maintenance
• Handles compacted and clay soils
• Adaptable to varying climates

Bring on the Vinho – Foliage You’ll Fancy

If you’re after striking, season-long foliage color and a carefree growing habit, the Vinho Verde® Weigela checks all the boxes. This Proven Winners® selection delivers dark, dramatic leaves with just a kiss of bloom, perfect for elevating any garden space. Let it shine as a bold anchor plant or let it play the supporting role with elegance.

Buy now and Nature Hills Nursery will ship at the appropriate planting time for your growing zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vinho Verde® Weigela deer resistant?
Yes, Weigela is generally unappealing to deer and makes a good choice for wildlife-heavy gardens.

Does Vinho Verde® Weigela bloom all summer?
No, it blooms lightly in late spring, but its standout feature is its colorful foliage, not continuous flowers.

Is Vinho Verde® Weigela suitable for containers?
Yes, it does well in large containers with good drainage and regular watering.

How big does Vinho Verde® Weigela get?
It typically grows 3–5 feet tall and wide with a tidy, rounded habit.

Do I need to prune it every year?
Light pruning after bloom keeps its shape, but every few years a renewal prune will keep it looking fresh.