''Weigela coraeensis'' ( Japanese: 箱根空木) is a species of flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae. It is native to

Japan Japan ( ja, 日本, or , and formally , ''Nihonkoku'') is an island country in East Asia. It is situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean, and is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan, while extending from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north ...

Distribution

This species is native to Honshu. However, it has been naturalised to other regions and can now be seen growing near seashores throughout Japan.

Description

This deciduous shrub has dark-green leaves. Its funnel-shaped flowers go from white in late spring to pink in early summer. They are pollinated by bees. Their toothed leaves are ovular shaped, shiny, sharp-pointed, and bristly stalked. They can grow to become up to 10cm long. They can grow to reach between 2.5 - 4m and can spread up to 3m.

Cultivation

This plant can be propagated with both hardwood and softwood cuttings. In addition, they prefer to occur under direct sunlight, although they can tolerate partial shade. They are suited for fertile, well-drained soil. Their rate of growth is quite fast and is tolerant to pollution and pruning. It is also a hardy plant. It can possibly tolerate low temperatures down to -20°C. It can also be exposed to coastal environments. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's

Award of Garden Merit The Award of Garden Merit (AGM) is a long-established annual award for plants by the British Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). It is based on assessment of the plants' performance under UK growing conditions. History The Award of Garden Merit ...

Pests

This species is susceptible to eelworms and honey fungus.

References

Flora of Japan Caprifoliaceae {{Dipsacales-stub