Weigela florida 'Spilled Wine’

Weigela florida ‘Spilled Wine®’: Dark Foliage, Bright Pink Spring Show

A Proven Winners® favourite from the Wine Series, Weigela florida ‘Spilled Wine®’ brings rich, dark purple foliage that holds its colour beautifully through the growing season. From early to late spring, bright pink trumpet flowers pop against the moody leaves, creating a bold contrast that’s easy to spot from across the garden. Its naturally spreading habit grows wider than tall, giving it a relaxed, ground-hugging presence that looks especially good along edges and low slopes. Pollinators appreciate the spring bloom, and gardeners love the colour that lasts well beyond flowering.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 90–120 cm
• Flower Colour: Bright pink
• Flowering Period: Early to late spring
• Foliage: Dark purple deciduous foliage
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: This is a strong choice for the front of shrub borders, sunny foundations, and along walkways where the deep foliage can add definition and contrast. Its wider-than-tall habit makes it especially useful as a low edging shrub, a gentle slope stabilizer, or a “spilling” accent near rocks and retaining walls. The bright spring flowers bring early colour and help support visiting pollinators, while the dark foliage keeps the planting looking intentional all season.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for the best foliage colour and strongest flowering. Water regularly during the first growing season, then provide moisture during extended dry spells to keep growth lush and bloom buds strong. Choose well-drained soil and avoid sites that stay wet. Prune right after flowering to shape and encourage fresh growth, removing a few older stems if needed to keep the plant dense and vigorous. Mulch helps conserve moisture and keeps the root zone cooler in summer.

History: Part of the Proven Winners® Wine Series, ‘Spilled Wine®’ was selected for its dramatic dark foliage, bright pink spring flowers, and a naturally spreading habit that fits beautifully into today’s layered landscape designs.

Final Thoughts: If you want a low shrub that delivers high contrast, ‘Spilled Wine®’ pours out spring colour, then keeps the garden looking rich and polished long after the flowers are gone.