How to Grow and Care for Weigela

Weigela bushes, known for their lush foliage and vibrant flowers, are becoming popular choices in ornamental landscaping. Previously overshadowed by more familiar plants like lilacs, azaleas, and rhododendrons these members of the honeysuckle family are making a comeback thanks to new cultivars. Native to Asia, weigela shrubs grow quickly and are best planted in early spring or late fall. In early summer, they bloom with petite flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding lively color and activity to your garden. Popular varieties, such as Weigela florida, provide a wide range of options for any landscape.

Weigela Care

The weigela part of this plant’s botanical name comes from a German scientist named Christian Ehrenfried Weigel. The florida part is not a reference to the state of Florida—rather, it pertains to the large number of flowers that the plant bears (as in the word, “florid,” which can mean “flowery” or “showy”).

This easy-to-care-for plant will reward you with blooms in late spring and early summer, in colors like pink, red, or white depending on the cultivar. They make good foundation plants and can serve as specimens while in bloom. The types with variegated foliage, dark leaves, or golden leaves are the best specimens since their leaves make them attractive throughout the spring and summer (as opposed to only when they are in flower).

In addition to attracting hummingbirds, weigela bushes also attract butterflies. They can also be planted in rows to form a hedge for privacy.

Light

Weigela bushes thrive in sunlight and need at least eight to ten hours of direct light daily. In hot climates, they can tolerate some afternoon shade, but too much shade may prevent blooming.

Soil

Though your weigela bush can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, it will thrive best in a mixture that is moist but well-draining. Plant your weigela bush somewhere that can accommodate its eventual growth, making sure it has room to spread out both over and below the surface of the soil without crowding nearby plants or running into any barriers (like a shed or rock wall).

In addition, your weigela bush will perform best in a soil mixture that is mildly acidic or alkaline, with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5.

Water

Weigela bushes will need consistent deep waterings as they’re getting established in your landscape. However, once that happens, it’s rare that you’ll actually have to water the plant. Once mature, they can typically acquire all the water they need from periodic rainfall. However, if you are experiencing a particularly hot or dry summer, you should consider manually watering the plant occasionally.

Temperature and Humidity

Once the frost risk has passed, weigela bushes require no special temperature conditions and thrive in their USDA hardiness zones. They also have no specific humidity needs.

Fertilizer

For best results, fertilize your weigela bush once a year in the spring, right before new growth appears on the plant. You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer to do so or opt for slow-release pellets.

Weigela Varieties

The old-fashioned weigela bush was grown just for its blossoms, which are numerous and attract hummingbirds. But new cultivars offer interesting choices for foliage, too. They include:

• W. Variegata: A small-scale varietal, it features variegated leaves.
• W. Alexandra: Also known as “wine and roses,” this varietal of the weigela bush features fuschia flowers with deep, burgundy-purple foliage.
• W. MonRigney: Typically referred to as the “golden jackpot” bush, this varietal features deep pinks flowers and vibrant lime-colored foliage that can sometimes skew golden.

Pruning Weigela

Most growers like the natural form weigela bushes assume, so pruning is not always necessary. If you do choose to prune, do so just after the bush has flowered for the season. That’s because these shrubs bloom on old wood, which means the longer you wait after the flowering period is over to prune, the greater the risk that you are removing flower buds, thereby depriving yourself of flowers for next year.

Common Pests and Diseases

While weigela bushes are generally pest-free, aphids, spider mites, or scale insects may occasionally appear. Treat infestations immediately with a natural insecticide or horticultural oil like neem oil. Spraying with water can help, but it may harm newly erupted blooms.