The ‘Spilled Wine’ Weigela (Weigela florida ‘Bokraspiwi’) is a compact deciduous shrub prized for its dense, deep burgundy foliage that maintains its color throughout the growing season. This dwarf cultivar typically reaches a manageable size of two to three feet tall and three to four feet wide, making it an excellent anchor plant for mixed borders and foundation plantings. Successful ornamental gardening involves companion planting, which means selecting neighboring plants that share similar environmental needs and create visual harmony. Pairing the Weigela’s nearly black-purple leaves with carefully chosen companions maximizes its dramatic presence in the landscape.
Horticultural Requirements for Spilled Wine Weigela
Successful companion planting requires matching the Weigela’s specific growing conditions. The shrub performs best within USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8, requiring a cold dormancy period to thrive, and it is highly adaptable to various soil types. Well-draining soil with average moisture is preferable, though it tolerates some dryness once established, making it a relatively low-maintenance choice.
The intensity of the foliage color is directly dependent on sun exposure. While the plant tolerates partial sun, the characteristic deep, glossy purple hue is best achieved with a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light will cause the leaves to revert to a duller green-bronze, diminishing the plant’s aesthetic appeal. Therefore, companions must also be robust enough to handle full sun exposure without scorching.
Design Principles for Color and Texture Contrast
The deep, saturated burgundy color of the ‘Spilled Wine’ Weigela functions as a neutral anchor, providing a dramatic backdrop for brighter hues. To prevent the dark foliage from receding visually, designers rely on high-contrast pairings. Luminous shades of chartreuse, lime green, and bright yellow are particularly effective, creating an electric visual jolt against the dark leaves.
Silver and white foliage plants offer a softer, more sophisticated contrast, utilizing the metallic sheen to reflect light and keep the dark Weigela from looking heavy. Adding texture contrast is necessary to add dimension to the planting. The Weigela has fine, dense foliage and a spreading, mounding habit, which pairs well with plants that exhibit either a bold, coarse leaf structure or an airy, delicate texture. Selecting large-leafed hostas or finely textured ornamental grasses will ensure the composition avoids a monotonous appearance.
Companion Plant Recommendations for Full Sun
For areas receiving six or more hours of sun, companion plants must withstand intense light while offering maximum color and texture contrast. Silver-leaved perennials are a reliable choice.
‘Silver Mound’ Artemisia forms a soft, cushion-like mound of finely dissected, silvery-gray foliage. The velvety, low-growing leaves of Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina) provide a tactile, woolly texture that contrasts sharply with the Weigela’s smooth leaves; both are tolerant of drier soil conditions.
Chartreuse foliage is best provided by sun-tolerant succulents like ‘Lemon Coral’ Sedum, which forms a dense, spiky carpet of brilliant yellow-green, glowing brightly at the Weigela’s base. For vertical interest and movement, airy ornamental grasses are invaluable, with their vertical, wispy form contrasting the Weigela’s dense mound. ‘Karl Foerster’ Feather Reed Grass offers golden-brown, narrow plumes that sway above the Weigela, while ‘Hameln’ Dwarf Fountain Grass provides a softer, mounding fountain of fine texture.
Companion Plant Recommendations for Partial Shade
If the planting area receives between four and six hours of sun, the Weigela will still hold its color well and can be paired with foliage plants that appreciate afternoon shade. Coral Bells (Heuchera) are excellent for this niche, providing mounds of contrasting, year-round color. Varieties such as ‘Lime Marmalade’ or ‘Citronelle’ offer an intense, ruffled chartreuse leaf that holds its bright color even in lower light, creating the necessary visual pop.
For a substantial, coarse texture, large-leafed Hostas are a perfect match. Gold-centered cultivars like ‘Gold Standard’ or ‘Sum and Substance’ brighten shadier corners. The bold, corrugated leaves of these Hostas provide a dramatic structural element next to the Weigela’s smaller foliage.
Alternatively, the Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum) contributes a fine, feathery texture. Its silvery-gray fronds are streaked with burgundy, echoing the Weigela’s color in a subdued, elegant way.