Variegated weigela

A variegated weigela in bloom in May along George's east-side house foundation.

* Common name: Variegated weigela

* Botanical name: Weigela florida ‘Variegatus’

* What it is: Flowering shrub with pink tubular flowers, an arching habit and white-edged leaves. A hummingbird-favorite native that’s seldom bothered by bugs or disease.

* Size: Grows about 4 feet tall with a 5-foot spread. Dwarf ‘Variegated Nana’ is about 3 by 3, and ‘My Monet’ is a notch smaller still.

* Where to use: Makes a nice specimen in dappled shade or along an eastern foundation. (Leaves may brown around the edges in full sun and dry weather.) Also ideal in a bird or butterfly garden or used as an informal hedge.

* Care: Prune back by one-third to one-half immediately after flowering — ideally branch-by-branch with hand pruners as opposed to shearing away the nice, flowing natural shape. Fertilize in spring with a slow-acting fertilizer slightly higher in phosphorus, such as Flower Tone or Bulb Tone.

* Great partner: Underplant with sweet woodruff, a mat-forming herb with white flowers that bloom at about the same time. Or flank with pink and/or white tulips. Brunnera is a nice perennial partner.

Variegated weigela flower buds about to open. Also notice the white-edged leaves.