Weigela Eva Rathke

Weigela Eva Rathke is an excellent small deciduous shrub which can be used as an effective specimen plant in even a small garden space. Weigela are native to Japan, Korea and Manchuria, and the hybrid Weigela Eva Rathke has been grown in the UK since 1893 and is a cross between Weigela Florida and Weigela Praecox. This variety features large dark green showy leaves, which are complemented in May and June by a profusion of long-lasting tubular, crimson flowers, not unlike fox-glove flowers. There may be a second, sparser flowering later in the summer. The leaves remain an attractive dark green until they drop in autumn.

Height and Spread of Weigela Eva Rathke
Weigela Eva Rathke will grow to a mature height and spread of 1.5 metres in 10 to 20 years.

How Hardy Is Weigela Eva Rathke
Weigela Eva Rathke is hardy in all parts of the UK.

How to Use Weigela Eva Rathke
Weigela Eva Rathke can be used in a wide variety of garden settings across the UK. This small shrub lends itself to container planting for a roof terrace, balcony, courtyard, or patio, where its showy spring and summer blooms, as well as its striking foliage, will provide a long season of interest in a small space. Planted in a mixed border or in a foundation planting, Weigela Eva Rathke will be both an attractive flowering shrub as well as a good foliage accent. It’s a great addition to a mixed informal hedge, or for planting as part of the understorey in a woodland or wildlife garden.

How to Care for Weigela Eva Rathke
Plant Weigela Eva Rathke in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position in any moist but well-drained fertile soil. While it does best in a slightly acid soil, it will tolerate any pH.  This variety is somewhat tolerant of salt and pollution, so is suited to use in both coastal and city gardens. As well, it is deer-resistant, so it can be grown in country gardens without special protection. Pruning should be done immediately after flowering by cutting out one-quarter to one-third of shoots back to the ground, so as not to interfere with the natural, graceful arching shape of the shrub.

Weigela Eva Rathke is an excellent flowering shrub for almost any UK garden - hardy and low-maintenance, with beautiful spring blooms and attractive foliage, it can fit into even the smallest space!