Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with plenty of compost or other organic matter.
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Position
Full sun to part shade.
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Frost tolerant
Weigela is winter hardy to -20°F (-29°C).
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Feeding
In spring, topdress the root zone of the plants with a balanced organic fertilizer.
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Companions
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Spacing
Single Plants: 5' 10" (1.80m) each way (minimum)
Rows: 5' 10" (1.80m) with 5' 10" (1.80m) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Set our purchased plants in spring, just as they are emerging from dormancy. Container-grown plants can be set out until early summer. Water young plants regularly, and cover the root zone with an organic mulch to keep the soil lightly moist at all times. Allow 6 feet (2 m) between plants when planting weigela as a hedge. Dwarf cultivars may merit closer spacing.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Native to Asia, weigela produces pink tubular blossoms in spring, and many modern cultivars rebloom well into summer. Foliage color ranges from lime green to deep burgundy; flowers range from light pink to deep red. Easily grown in a range of climates and soils, weigela makes a beautiful specimen shrub with an unusually long bloom time.
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Harvesting
Branches can be used in cut arrangements, preferably taken from the back side of the plants where they won’t be missed. The foliage of red-leafed varieties is also useful when cut. Weigela requires little pruning. Trim as needed in winter to remove dead branches and old canes, but allow the plant to follow its natural rounded shape.
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Troubleshooting
Weigela rarely has problems with disease and is seldom bothered by deer. In stressful weather, watch for aphids, spider mites, or scale.
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