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.

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 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 stunning contrasts against chartreuse hostas, silver artemisia, or bright green ferns. The mounding habit also works beautifully in large containers on patios or flanking entryways.

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.