The intended site is a southern exposure in full sun, rocky clay soil (well-drained) next to the house. The area can accommodate a shrub that stays about 5' wide, or must withstand the pruning shears.

I'm considering either a 'Wine & Roses' weigela or a 'Shining Sensation' weigela. Or is there another shrub to consider? What would you pick, and why?
One other consideration: Nan Ondra did a nice post on her blog about coppicing Cotinus coggygria that got me interested. The purple foliage sure looked gorgeous in a small shrub form. Can anyone out there share their experience doing this? I realize coppicing would forego the 'smoke' but I'm really only interested in the purple foliage.

My SS has filled in its spot admirably since planted in my sunny front foundation. I've only had it a couple of years. I used to have a Ninebark 'Summer Wine' there but it had a lot of fungus disease problems. The Ninebark replaced a Purple Sandcherry that was okay, but suffered from a leggy bottom that I could never get to fill in no matter how much pruning I did.

As far as purple-ness, I honestly can't remember. I will look for a picture.

If I'm not mistaken Fine Wine is an improved version of Wine and Roses.