Ebony and Ivory

Season Overview

Description

The weigelia belongs to the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) and was named after the botanist Christian Ehrenfried von Weigel. The plants were originally widespread in north-eastern Asia and eastern Russia. In Europe, they are used as ornamental shrubs in parks and gardens. Weigelia are deciduous, upright-growing shrubs that can grow up to 5 meters high and 3.5 meters wide. The young branches have a light brown downy hairy bark, while the older branches are gray-brown. The bell-shaped white, yellow or pale pink to dark red flowers open from the end of April to June. From July until frost, there may be a few repeat blooms. Ebony and Ivory' is a slow-growing, dwarf, bushy ornamental shrub that grows up to 150 cm tall and up to 100 cm wide. It has white flowers that contrast beautifully with the purple foliage. The main flowering period is May to June. The sunnier the location, the more intense the purple color of the leaves.

Growing tips

Weigelia are undemanding and extremely adaptable. A sunny to semi-shady location with fresh to moist, nutrient- and humus-rich acidic soil is ideal. In principle, however, the weigelie tolerates all garden soils. However, waterlogging should be avoided at all costs. During long periods of drought, the weigelie should be watered. In spring before budding, an application of compost and fertilizer containing nitrogen and potassium is recommended. Pruning prevents early senescence of the shrubs and should be carried out immediately after flowering. The branches are shortened to the desired length, old and too dense branches are cut off close to the ground. If radical pruning is necessary, it should be carried out in winter. The best time to plant is spring, so that the plants have enough time to take root. Weigela florida 'Ebony and Ivory' is undemanding in terms of its location. A sunny to semi-shady spot with nutrient-rich, moist, well-drained and slightly acidic soil is ideal. Pruning is recommended after flowering. The "Ebony and Ivory" willow lily is hardy.

Details

Seeding distance

120 cm

Row spacing

120 cm

Seeding depth

1 cm