Weigela Weigela 'Bristol Ruby'
ABOUT
Weigela 'Bristol Ruby' presents an appealing sight throughout its flowering season. This deciduous shrub boasts a dense, fountain-like structure, with branches that arch elegantly. Its leaves are lance-shaped with a slightly serrated edge and exhibit a lush green hue that forms a vibrant backdrop for the blooms. Come spring and early summer, Weigela 'Bristol Ruby' is adorned with a profusion of trumpet-shaped flowers. These blossoms are a deep ruby red, adding a rich, opulent flair to any garden setting. The flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and other nectar-seeking pollinators. As the season progresses, the plant continues to sporadically produce flowers, although the initial burst in late spring is usually the most spectacular display. This variety of Weigela makes a striking statement when planted as a focal point or used in mass plantings for a dramatic effect. Its colorful presence and somewhat romantic appearance with cascading branches give it a timeless elegance in any landscape design.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Caprifoliaceae.
Synonyms
Bristol Ruby Weigela, Bristol Ruby.
Common names
Weigela 'Bristol Ruby'
ToxicityTo humans
Weigela 'Bristol Ruby' is not known to be toxic to humans. It is generally considered safe, and there are no common reports of poisoning or adverse health effects from ingesting this plant. As with many ornamental plants, it is not intended for consumption, and ingesting it is not advised. If consumed in large quantities, there could possibly be some gastrointestinal discomfort simply because it is not a typical food source.
To pets
Weigela 'Bristol Ruby' is not known to be toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. This ornamental shrub is considered non-toxic and there are no widespread reports of serious illness resulting from pets ingesting this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion might lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the novelty and fiber content. If your pet has consumed a large amount of the plant and is showing symptoms, it is always best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 meters)
Spread
9-12 feet (2.7-3.6 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Weigela 'Bristol Ruby' is known for its profusion of deep red, trumpet-shaped flowers that add vibrant color to the garden in late spring and often reblooms in late summer.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The plant provides nectar for pollinators, including hummingbirds and bees, which are attracted to its flowers.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used for various landscaping purposes such as a specimen plant, hedge, or foundation planting due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires relatively low maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Deciduous Interest: As a deciduous shrub, it provides seasonal interest throughout the year with flowers in spring and summer, and leaf color changes in autumn.
- Drought Tolerance: Weigela 'Bristol Ruby' is relatively drought tolerant once established, making it a good choice for regions with occasional water restrictions.
- Easy to Propagate: It can be easily propagated through softwood cuttings, allowing gardeners to create new plants for other areas of their garden or to share with friends.
- Cold Hardy: This shrub is hardy in a wide range of climates, making it suitable for many temperate gardens.
- Resistant to Pests: Weigela 'Bristol Ruby' has good resistance to common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Soil Adaptability: It can grow in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil, making it adaptable to different garden conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Weigela 'Bristol Ruby' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of warm tones depending on the mordant used.
- The branches of Weigela can be incorporated into floral arrangements, adding a touch of natural, springtime aesthetic with their arching form.
- When pruned, the flexible young stems of Weigela may be woven into garden structures such as trellises or plant supports.
- Its dense foliage can offer a privacy screen in the garden when Weigela is planted in a row or used as a hedge.
- Weigela can be planted as a companion plant to roses and other sun-loving perennials, providing contrast in texture and color.
- Weigela wood, being quite hard when mature, can occasionally be used for small woodworking projects like tool handles or carving practices for beginners.
- Dried Weigela leaves can be used to create a natural potpourri, especially when mixed with other fragrant herbs and flowers.
- The vibrant flowers of Weigela can be pressed and used in botanical prints or to create all-natural, decorative bookmarks.
- Creative gardeners might use trimmed Weigela branches to construct rustic woven garden edging or to mark out pathways.
- The plant can serve as an outdoor classroom tool to teach children about plant growth habits, pollination, and seasonal changes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiWeigela is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityWeigela is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: The vibrant ruby-red flowers of Weigela are often associated with deep passion, love, and emotions.
- Prosperity: The lush and abundant blossoms can symbolize growth and prosperity, as the plant tends to bloom profusely.
- Adaptability: Weigela's ability to thrive in various conditions can be seen as a symbol of adaptability and resilience.
- Grace: The elegant shape of the flowers and the arching branches of Weigela may represent grace and beauty.
- Nostalgia: Weigela plants, being common in older gardens, can trigger nostalgia and symbolize cherished memories or the beauty of the past.
WaterWeigela 'Bristol Ruby' should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage a strong root system and avoid waterlogging. For new plantings, water every couple of days for the first few weeks, then gradually reduce to once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time, which is roughly 0.6 gallons per square yard. Once established, the shrub can be watered less frequently, especially if you have mulch to help retain soil moisture. During hot or dry periods, water the plant about twice a week, but always check the soil moisture first; Weigelas prefer not to sit in soggy soil.
LightWeigela 'Bristol Ruby' thrives best in full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. A spot where the plant is exposed to morning light and sheltered from the intense afternoon sun can also be beneficial, although this shrub is quite adaptable to different light conditions. Avoid deeply shaded areas to promote the best flowering and growth.
TemperatureWeigela 'Bristol Ruby' prefers a temperate climate and can generally withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper mulching can help protect root systems from temperature extremes in colder zones.
PruningPruning Weigela 'Bristol Ruby' is important to maintain its shape and encourage flowering. Prune immediately after the shrub has finished blooming, usually in late spring or early summer. Remove any dead or weak branches and lightly shape the plant, as it flowers on old wood. Pruning too late in the season can remove next year's flower buds, so timing is crucial.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWeigela prefers well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, with an ideal pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and a small amount of coarse sand or perlite will ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingWeigela 'Bristol Ruby', a shrub, is typically planted in the ground rather than repotted. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot.
Humidity & MistingWeigela 'Bristol Ruby' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does well in the average humidity found in outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth, requires full sun.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleWeigela 'Bristol Ruby', commonly known as Bristol Ruby Weigela, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in late spring, after which the seedling emerges and begins to establish its root system. The young plant quickly grows into a shrub, entering a vegetative state where it focuses on leaf production and root development. In the following spring, Bristol Ruby Weigela enters the flowering stage, producing clusters of deep red, funnel-shaped flowers that are attractive to bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, these flowers may produce small, inconsequential fruit as the plant reaches maturity. The shrub enters a period of dormancy in the fall and winter, during which it conserves energy and ceases active growth. Lastly, the mature Weigela 'Bristol Ruby' can live for many years, producing new foliage and flowers each spring, with periodic pruning aiding in maintaining its shape and promoting vigorous growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Weigela 'Bristol Ruby', commonly known as the Bristol Ruby Weigela, is often propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method usually takes place in late spring to early summer, after the new growth has partially matured and the stems are firmer. To propagate, select healthy, disease-free branches and trim cuttings to about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length. Each cutting should have several leaves and at least one node. Cut just below a node, as this is where root growth is most likely to occur. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development, then plant the cutting in a pot containing a mix of peat and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. Keep the soil consistently moist and the cutting in indirect sunlight. With proper care, the cutting will develop roots and can be transplanted into the garden once it has established a good root system.
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