Weigela Bush Guide: How to Plant and Grow a Weigela Bush

The weigela (a plant in the Caprifoliaceae family) is a deciduous, often variegated shrub, with usually purple, red, or pink flowers. Since the bush is derived from the honeysuckle shrub, the weigela’s flowers have a similar tubular shape, which can attract hummingbirds, flying pollinators that can help bring a garden to life. That makes weigela popular among birdwatchers as well as horticulturists.

Weigela plants are nontoxic, so you don’t have to worry about your pets accidentally munching on these flowering shrubs.

You can find weigela bushes in various colors and sizes, but their blooms are primarily yellow, white, pink, and red flowers, with shading variations apparent in each. Bloom time is in the late spring, usually around May, producing your varietal’s flower color in abundance. Some of the most popular cultivars include:

1. 1. ‘Pink Princess’: This bush has vibrant green leaves and light pink to rosy pink flowers.
2. 2. ‘Spilled Wine’: This weigela boasts a foliage color that is deep purple and blooms that are sometimes magenta or even hot pink.
3. 3. ‘Alexandra’: Sometimes also called ‘Wine and Roses,’ this weigela has purple leaves and red to pink flowers.
4. 4. ‘My Monet’: Diminutive in size, this weigela cultivar has striking, green and white leaves and long-lasting pink flowers.
5. 5. ‘Fine Wine’: This weigela’s foliage ranges from dark green to purple, and its blooms are deep pink.
6. 6. ‘Sonic Bloom pink’: Like its name suggests, this weigela’s bright appearance includes bright green foliage and hot pink flowers.
7. 7. ‘Midnight Wine’: This weigela’s purple leaves are so dark as to almost be black, providing wonderful contrast to the berry-pink blooms.
8. 8. ‘Red Prince’: This weigela features brilliant red flowers against medium green foliage.

To ensure your weigela plant grows healthy and strong, here are some of the primary things to consider when planting your weigela bush:

• Wait for cool temperatures. Unless you live in a very mild climate, you don’t want to plant the shrubbery in the summer, as the extreme temperatures can cause the plant to die prematurely. Instead, focus on going when the temps dip lower—spring and fall, primarily, although the early summer or late spring is a possibility if you live in a cooler climate.
• Opt for a sunny spot. The planting area needs to get full sun, so avoid partial shade (light shade is workable, but only when it’s for brief periods of the day). Weigela bushes thrive best in US Department of Agriculture (USDA) hardiness zones 4-8.
  
• Choose an area with good drainage. Make sure the soil drains well but is still moist in consistency. The idea is that your plant should be in a location where it will get the water it needs without encountering any danger of root rot.
• Ensure the plant has room to grow. The minimum height of a weigela plant starts at just 12 inches tall, and they can grow up to 10 feet tall, depending on the breed. The minimum width for a weigela bush is about 18 inches, and the maximum width is 12 feet wide.
• Plant the weigela with care. Be careful with the root ball when planting your weigela. The hole you dig should be five times as wide as the root ball and the same depth as the root ball’s height. It’s a good idea to mix your existing soil with compost that will nourish the plant as it grows. After making sure the entire root ball is nearly totally covered, place mulch over and around the plant.

Once your plant is well established, you’ll find that weigela care is quite low-maintenance.

• Tailor your care according to the season. The best time to begin yearly care is the early spring—or the late winter in sunnier climates. Make sure that the leaves are starting to bud, but don’t wait until the flowers bloom. The issue here is your weigela bush uses the previous year’s growth to create new blooms. If you prune them back too much, you won’t see those new blooms, and you could cause further harm.
• Prune regularly. Start by pruning any dead branches with pruning shears. Once the leaves have developed and the flowers begin to bloom, you can begin a heavier pruning routine, paying attention to shaping the plant to your desired look. Make sure that you’re not clipping off new growth. Look for dead branches coming off the main shoot and prune them as well.
• Water regularly. You need to give the weigela bush water every day for a few months until it is established. If you live in a hot and dry climate, you’ll want to water the plant regularly. If not, you won’t have to do additional watering, and the plan should still thrive. Regularly check to ensure the soil is moist, and water if necessary.
• Fertilize well. Make sure to add plant fertilizer every spring—or during the growing season in your area—that is designed for bushes and deciduous shrubs. A slow-release formula will ensure your weigela shrub is always properly fed and will encourage the next rebloom.

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