RHS Plant of the Year 2023 third place: Weigela Camouflage
An old favourite is brought up to date by adding a long season of attractive foliage to the profusion of colourful trumpet-shaped flowers
Weigelas may not always be seen as particularly fashionable plants, but that may all be about to change with the third place finish for Weigela Camouflage in the RHS Chelsea Plant of The Year 2023 awards. The first in a new series of British-bred weigelas, this novel variety adds colourful spring-to-autumn foliage to the trumpet-shaped flowers that emerge in late spring and early summer.
A vibrant but harmonious combination of flowers and foliage
Weigelas are
Lance Russell of Thompson & Morgan explained to the Plant of The Year judges: “Weigela Camouflage is the first of its kind to pair ruby red flowers with unique green and black foliage,” he said. “The result is the perfect addition to modern gardens where space is at a premium.
“Reaching just 1.2m in height and spread, Camouflage is ideal for mixed borders and patio or balcony container growing. The striking foliage is smothered in funnel-shaped blooms in May and June, and the overall effect is vibrant but harmonious. The ruby-red flowers are perfect for pollinators and beautifully complement the dark leaf markings, while the bright green centres create splashes of contrast for a truly standout display.
“Little is required to get strong performance from this fully hardy deciduous shrub. The compact, branching habit means pruning is rarely required.
“Camouflage will thrive in semi-shaded location but will give the best foliage contrast when grown in full sun. It really is a versatile option for any garden, offering seasonal flower colour and a long season of foliage interest.”
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Weigela Camouflage is the first of a series of varieties, developed in Suffolk by Thompson & Morgan, that combine colourful foliage with colourful flowers and neat and bushy growth that is ideal for containers and smaller gardens.
“The release of Camouflage follows a ten-year breeding programme and five years of field trials,” explained Lance, “to produce compact plants with unique foliage colours while retaining the same flower power as standard weigela varieties.”
Where can I buy Weigela Camouflage?
You can buy Weigela Camouflage from Thompson & Morgan, and it will soon be available in garden centres.
- See the full list of plants shortlisted for the 2023 RHS Plant of the Year Award
