weigela- Carnival

Hi. I have just purchased weigela- Carnival. Can anyone tell me if they had any luck with this plant. To me, it looks a lot like the variegated variety. Any comments would be helpful. Thank you.

'Carnaval' is more compact and restrained in growth habit than 'Variegata' which gets to 10' tall (although 'Variegata Nana' stays under 3').The flowers appear in shades of red, white, and pink and are have more substance than usual weigela blooms. They are very profuse bloomers, being a tetraploid hybrid of French origin (hence the spelling of Carnival). 'Carnaval' grows 3' to 4' in height and has nice repeat bloom (not at profuse though) later in the summer when established. It's a great cultivar.

Hello HoosierGreen. I really appreciate your comments. Would you be so kind as to tell me what plants you grow to compliment its colors. I am using it as a shrub along my back fence. Thank you.

I think you could use quite a few different shrubs and perennials as companion plants to your weigela. Some of my favorite shrubs include the burgundy ninebarks ('Diablo', 'Coppertina', or 'SummerWine'), dwarf lilacs ('Miss Kim' or regular Dw. Korean), evergreen boxwoods 'Green Mountain' or 'Green Velvet', any of the late-blooming Hydrangea paniculatas such as 'Limelight', 'Pink Diamond' and the fabulous 'Pinky Winky', oak-leaf hydrangea (especially 'Snowflake' which is a gorgeous double), and the blue hollies.

Great perennials include 'Rozanne' geranium, baby's breath, hybrid daylilies, and pinks.

The main flush of bloom here is early summer (June), with scattered rebloom in July and August. The rich foliage is a great foil for other plants and flowers.

Thanks very much HoosierGreen. They all sound great to me. You must have a beautiful garden. Have a great day.--IrishLass

You're welcome. If you like weigelas, and you're not familiar with the weigela cultivar 'My Monet', you should check it out. It's a beautiful dwarf (to 18") variegated weigela, with pink and white leaves. Quite nice, and looks great even when not in flower.

Thanks again HoosierGreen. They all sound beautiful to me. I have pinky winky and a few others you mention. ''My Monet" looks lovely also. Quite different. Right now, I am rearranging my perennial garden and unfortunately, I must replace my beautiful Dictamnus (gas plant) with something else. My friend got blisters on her hand and arm from it. Apparently, it emits a lemony scent, and some people are allergic when they touch or rub against it. Better to get rid of it than chance some child being burnt by it. I really hate to see it go, and am wondering what I could possibly plant in its place that would look just as good. Do you have this plant yourself? Thanks again for your comments--IrishLass

I don't have gas plant, but they are nice. If you don't have it already, you should get 'Rozanne' perennial geranium which blooms all season long. It was Perennial Plant of the Year in 2008.

By the way, in what part of Canada is Sydney located? We were in a Sydney (or Sidney?) on Vancouver Island a few years ago.

HG - Irish Lass lives in the Sydney that's in very eastern Canada (Nova Scotia) and it's very beautiful as we've found all of Canada to be. Such nice people and so friendly!

This photo was taken last October for the Festival of the Buckwheat Pancake (great fun) in Louiseville, in western Quebec.

Hi HoosierGreen. I sent you a message today, but I guess you didn't get it. My computer is not working as well as it should. Anyway, The picture of the geranium is really pretty. I love the color. I live in the eastern part of Nova Scotia. The city is called Sydney and it is on Cape Breton Island. Some people have never heard of it. It is a beautiful island. We get a lot of American visitors every summer. Have a great evening--IrishLass

Thanks. Sidney on Vancouver Island, and Sydney on Cape Breton Island. Sounds like a wonderful place to live. I have heard of Cape Breton Island and hope to visit there one day.
Happy gardening!

Hi HoosierGreen. I have a beautiful, musical email showing pictures of Cape Breton Island, but I don't believe I am allowed to give you my email address on this site. You would love it. Thanks for everything and happy gardening to you also.---IrishLass

I would enjoy viewing your musical email. You can use Dave's Garden D-Mail system, if you like. It's designed just for all of us members! Click on the tab labeled "My Tools" (above) to use it. It's easy! (When you get a chance.)

Hi HoosierGreen. Unfortunately, Dave's Gardening has no program in place that supports sending musical emails. Sorry about that.--IrishLass

Bummer. Well, someday I'll just have to travel to Cape Breton Island and enjoy the "real thing". Happy gardening!

Happy gardening to you also HoosierGreen. Have a great day.--IrishLass