This shrub has pretty summer flowers as well as colorful foliage.
Weigela sizes can range from 1 to 6 feet tall, depending on the variety.
These shrubs are also moderately fast growers, reaching their full size after just a few seasons.
Mark Kane.
They’rehardy in Zones 4-9, so they’ll grow just about anywhere in the United States.
Along with variations in weigela sizes, it comes in manyfoliage colors.
Colors can range from green and gold to deep burgundy while showing a glossy finish.
Credit:Grant Webster
Some types of low-growing weigela work well as groundcover for a sloping yard.
Use a dwarf variety as a low boundary along a path.
It can be planted in early spring, as long as the hot weather doesn’t come too quickly.
Credit:Grant Webster
Don’t plant in the summer when it’s too hot for weigela to root well.
Water the weigela shrub in its container before transplanting into the ground.
Gently spread roots out on the sides and bottom of the root ball before placing in the hole.
Credit: Greg Scheidemann
Fill in with soil around the plant, then thoroughly water it.
Add more soil as needed to verify the plant is at the same level as in its container.
Cover the root zone with an inch of mulch.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Weigela Care Tips
Once planted and rooted, weigela is an easy shrub to care for.
Light
Weigela needs plenty of sunlight.
A little shade is ok, but not too much.
The moresunlight the plant gets, the brighter the blooms.
Soil and Water
A mildly acidic soil pH of 5.5 to 7 is best for weigela.
Keep your newly planted weigela moist and see to it thesoil drains well.
Credit: Denny Schrock
However, your weigela may need additional watering if you’re having a hot, dry summer.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced liquid fertilizeronce a year for weigela shrubs.
Fertilize before new growth appears on the plant, usually in early spring.
Credit: Todd Dacquisto
Pruning
Many dwarf varieties of weigela need almost no maintenance.
Simply trim back any dead wood in the spring.
Larger typesmay need pruningthroughout the growing season to maintain their shape.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
However, if you prune in the fall, you risk losing next spring’s flowers.
Potting and Repotting Weigela
Pot weigela in acontainer with good drainage.
When planting weigela in a pot, keep an eye on the top few inches of soil.
Credit: Bill Stites
When it dries out, you’ll need to water it.
Potted weigela will grow well in full to part sun, whether indoors or out.
When weigela outgrows its pot, repot it in a new container one size up.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Fill it with fresh potting soil and transfer the shrub, firming it in place with potting mix.
Use a strong spray of water to get rid of these pests.
How to Propagate Weigela
Propagate weigelaby stem cuttings.
Credit: Mavis Augustine Torke
There are two methods of propagating stem cuttings: hardwood or softwood cuttings.
Hardwood cutting should be done right after the first frost in fall or in early spring before leafing.
Propagating with softwood cutting is done in early summer.
It can take 4-6 weeks for propagated stems to begin to grow.
They’re ready for transplant when a gentle tug is met with resistance.
It produces deep red flowers in late spring.
It grows 4-5 feet tall and wide.
Pink blooms appear in summer.
It grows 18 inches tall and 2 feet wide.
It grows 5-6 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide.
It’s a refreshing effect in shade gardens.
It grows 5 feet tall and wide.
It grows 4-5 feet tall.
These perennials come in a variety of flower colors and are hardy in Zones 3-8.
Bearded Iris
Bearded irisesare easy-to-grow perennials with colorful flowers.
They’re hardy in Zones 3-9.
Spirea
Spirea, a tough flowering shrub, has the same soil and sun needs as weigela.
It comes in many colors and sizes, but newer varieties are easier to maintain than older ones.
It’s hardy in Zones 5-9.
Colorful flowers and a plum tree are included in this weigela-friendly design.
This plan is great for a sunny spot where the plants will get plenty of light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators are drawn to weigela’s bright flowers.
Planting weigela willinvite wildlife to your garden, but deer generally leave this shrub alone.
No, there’s no need to deadhead weigela because the flowers will fall off on their own.
