Description
If you’re looking for a shrub that delivers serious garden drama with minimal fuss, let me introduce you to Hershey Red—a weigela variety that’s become an absolute favorite among Connecticut gardeners, and once you see it in bloom, you’ll understand why. This plant is practically foolproof, incredibly rewarding, and packed with the kind of vibrant color that makes your entire landscape feel intentional and well-designed. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting to explore what grows beautifully in our New England climate, Hershey Red is the kind of plant that builds your confidence and makes you look like you know exactly what you’re doing.
What it looks like
Hershey Red is a deciduous shrub with a naturally compact, mounding growth habit that looks polished without requiring constant pruning. The foliage is deep burgundy throughout the growing season—those rich, wine-dark leaves create an elegant backdrop even when the plant isn’t flowering. Come late spring through early summer, the branches practically disappear under masses of tubular flowers in the most stunning shade of deep crimson-red. These blooms are absolutely prolific, and they attract hummingbirds and butterflies like you wouldn’t believe. The overall effect is of a shrub that’s practically glowing with color, and that’s exactly what makes WEIGELA ‘Hershey Red’ such a game-changer for Connecticut gardens.
Growing it in your garden
One of the biggest reasons I adore recommending Hershey Red is its toughness—this shrub is incredibly forgiving and adapts beautifully to the conditions Connecticut can throw at it. It thrives in full sun, which helps intensify both the foliage color and the abundance of blooms. While it prefers well-draining soil, it’s flexible enough to handle our sometimes-challenging New England clay with a little soil amendment. Plant it in spring or early fall to give it time to establish before our more extreme weather arrives. It’s hardy through our coldest Connecticut winters (we’re talking Zone 4), so you can confidently plant it knowing it’ll be back and stronger every single spring. Unlike some flashy ornamentals that demand babying, Hershey Red is genuinely tough—it doesn’t need constant coddling to look spectacular.
Through the seasons
Spring is when Hershey Red truly shines, as those deep red flowers create an absolutely magnificent display that can last for several weeks. The burgundy foliage that emerges adds richness to the spring garden, especially when paired with lighter-colored plants. Summer finds the foliage deepening even further, and if you deadhead spent flowers, you’ll often get a secondary flush of blooms—a lovely bonus in mid-summer. Fall sees that deep burgundy foliage take on even more character as temperatures drop, and it gradually transitions to deeper, richer tones before the leaves drop. Winter reveals an attractive branching structure that can be quite ornamental, especially when outlined with frost or snow. The skeleton of the plant is attractive enough that it contributes to your garden’s winter interest.
Where it shines
Hershey Red is absolutely perfect for so many situations throughout your Connecticut landscape. It’s stunning as a specimen shrub where you want to draw the eye—plant it where morning light can really showcase those flowers. It works beautifully in mixed borders with other spring and summer bloomers, and that deep burgundy foliage provides gorgeous textural contrast. I’ve seen it used successfully as an informal hedge or screening plant where you want color and structure. It’s also excellent in foundation plantings, though you’ll want to give it enough room to reach its natural size rather than constantly fighting it with pruning. The hummingbird and butterfly action is incredible, so if you’re trying to create a pollinator-friendly garden, this plant absolutely delivers.
Perfect companions
Hershey Red pairs beautifully with so many other New England favorites. Lighter-colored shrubs like Oakleaf Hydrangea or Physocarpus create stunning color contrast. Perennials work wonderfully around it—I especially love combining it with salvia, coreopsis, and Russian sage for layers of color and texture. Spring bulbs like tulips and alliums look magnificent in front of it, their lighter colors popping against that deep burgundy backdrop. Ornamental grasses planted near it add movement and textural interest, especially Miscanthus varieties that overlap with its blooming season. Evergreens nearby—perhaps some dwarf conifers—create year-round structure that complements Hershey Red’s seasonal changes beautifully.
Care tips
Once established, Hershey Red is genuinely low-maintenance, which is music to any gardener’s ears. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system, then taper back—it’s fairly drought-tolerant once settled in. For best flowering, deadhead spent blooms throughout the season, which encourages that secondary bloom flush. Prune right after flowering (typically early summer here in Connecticut) if you need to shape it; this ensures you’re not removing next year’s flower buds. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring supports vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Mulch around the base to keep roots cool and retain moisture during our sometimes-dry Connecticut summers.
Quick facts
- Hardiness Zone: Zone 4-8
- Mature Height & Spread: 4-5 feet tall and wide
- Bloom Season: Late spring through early summer (May-June), with potential reblooms in mid-summer with deadheading
- Light Requirements: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
- Water Needs: Moderate; regular water during establishment, then drought-tolerant
- Available at: Both our retail and wholesale locations.
