Weigela florida (Bge) DC. 'Foliis Purpureus' (Caprifoliaceae)
A brownish-purple-leaved form of W. florida, variably reported to have been 'raised in France from Chinese seed' (Bean quoting Revue Horticole) or 'found in Holland' (Krussman). A rather low-growing variety, to I.5 m, of stiff upright growth. W.florida is native of Kyushu, Korea and N.E. China. A deciduous shrub to 3 m or more. Leaves ovate to obovate, acuminate, glabrous above, hairy on the veins beneath. Calyx divided to about the middle, glabrous. Flowers c.3 cm long. Any soil; sun or part shade. Hardy to -20°C. Early summer.