Weigela

[hairdye]

Hi
I need some help on some plants please.
I want to plant some weigelas around my pond areas to attract bees and butterflys. My info is limited on this species and i would like to know which is the best one like the fastest grower or the most flowering ,any ideas?
cheers

[Dorts]

Weigelias are rather 'out of fashion' these days, but don't let that put you off. They are easily managed shrubs, that with good care will go on giving colour for many years. Best planted in full sun. There are a few semi-double vars. but these do not attract insects so well so stick to the single-flowered ones; which are the majority.
They are quick growing and come in a great range of colours.
Most will in time grow to 8-10ft. but can be kept smaller with regular pruning.
I would recomend that you include one of the variagated vars. as they have great impact.
Dwarf varieties are also avalable.
There are so many kinds now , of equal merit, so it just comes down to preference with colour.
The site below will give you some ideas of the vars. available.

Weigela Shrubs | Weigela Shrub Varieties

Dorts.

[aeshna5]

I've never really noticed butterflies attracted to it; there are certainly many more suitable plants for this.

[Dorts]

Yes, I should have added, as aeshna5 has pointed out, that the flowers are not suited to butterflies, but bees seem to like them.
Dorts.

[hairdye]

Thanks for the replies, maybe im not looking for the best plant here.I have a couple of butterfly bushes and honeysuckle and wanted something else fast growing that would attract butterflies , bees etc.
Do you know of any more fast growing flowering shrubs that i could use, these will be planted near to my pond area but not in the bogier areas.
cheers

[Dorts]

Good shrubs for Butterflies are:
Buddleia, Berberis, Escallonia, Viburnum, Honeysuckle, Abelia, Privet, Lilac, Kolkwitzia, Lavender, Rosemary, and if you have room, get a good fruiting Bramble .
Dorts.

[aeshna5]

My Hebe "Midsummer Beauty" is a magnet for bees, hoverflies + butterflies. It can get large but regular light pruning would keep it to size; it also has at least 2 prolonged flowering periods.

[Brocakat]

Sedums are generaly good especially for Red Admirals etc. - particulary
S. spectable 'Autumn Joy'. Best to grow them inside a bit-of-a-metal or wood frame though - becuase the stems of mine always flop-over.

[hairdye]

Im going to buy two or hebes for the garden think they will do the job im after. Can you buy them pretty much well established?
cheers

[artdemole]

Several hebe can be purchased as pot plants and in flower.They do not take long to establish and can be kept to a managable size.