I have about 5 or 6 different varieties. For foliage color-I like 'Java Red' and 'Wine and Roses' for blooms-I like 'Red Prince'(but I am partial to red flowers).

I have never tried Carnaval, but I would not recommend Varigated weigela-it is not fully hardy in zone 4-and can die all the way back to the ground in winter.

I also have 'Java Red', I really like the flowers but mine don't seem to be really red but more of a dark fuschia.

I have "Wine & Roses" and it is very hardy and blooms vigorously. I have thought of getting a variegated, thanks for the tip, meeperx!

Linda

I have a miniature version that has stayed about 3 feet high max for 6 years or so. It's got pink flowers and plain green leaves, but when it blooms! Flowers up the wazzoo. I also like the Java type, we sell these at work and I like the foliage.

firethorn, could you be talking about the 'pink poppet'?

Hi everyone! Hope you don't mind me posting here. I live an hour west of Ortonville, so, I visit the site every so often.

My 'pink poppet' has been growing for 3 years now. While I am not crazy about pink flowers, I needed a "dwarf" plant/shrub for an area out front. And, I thought this could work great. So far, it has. It does bloom like crazy. And, it has maintained the 2'x 2' the tag stated---maybe a tad bigger. Anyway, very nice, compact shrub---if that interests anyone.

Happy gardening neighbors!