Weigela care is easy once the shrub settles in. Weigelas bloom heavily in late spring or early summer and are virtually pest free, so most of the work is watering young shrubs, one feeding a year, mulch, and pruning at the right time.
In short:
- Water: every few days for a newly planted shrub. A mature weigela only needs water in a long drought, with a deep soak about once a week.
- Feed: a handful or two of fertilizer once a year, starting after the shrub has been in place a year.
- Mulch: 2 to 3 inches of chopped leaves, wood chips or shredded bark over the roots.
- Prune: right after the flowers fade, usually in July. Next year's flower buds form on old wood.
- New plants: root 4-inch tip cuttings in June, July or August.
The care information provided in this section represents the kind of practical advice is available for all the plants in this web site if you subscribe to the monthly customized newsletter Yardener’s Advisor.
How Often to Water a Weigela Bush
Water newly planted young shrubs every few days while they are getting established, especially if there is no regular rainfall. Mature shrubs do not need supplemental watering unless there is a period of prolonged drought. During these times, thoroughly soak the soil around the shrub every week or so. Mulch shrubs to help retain soil moisture.
For more information see file on About Watering Equipment.
How to Fertilize Weigela
After the shrub has been in place a year, sprinkle a handful or two of fertilizer on the soil under the shrub for the rain to soak in. Do this every fall. The best fertilizer for weigela is a slow-release type. Fast-acting fertilizer pushes soft, tender growth that scale insects like to attack. Don't overdo it, either. Too much fertilizer can leave a weigela with plenty of leaves and no flowers.
For more information see file About Fertilizers.
Consider Plant Growth Activators
There are on the market a growing number of products that will help your plants become healthier, more drought resistant, more disease resistant, and even more insect resistant. These products are generally easy to use and not terribly expensive. If you want to give your plants some oomph, check out New Technology In Plant Growth Activators
For the pests and diseases weigelas actually get, see common weigela problems.
Mulching Weigela to Keep the Roots Moist
Like most plants, ornamental shrubs benefit from a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch on the soil over their root systems. Chopped leaves, wood chips, shredded bark or similar organic materials help keep the soil moist and the weeds down. Mulch also protects the weigela from possible injury by the lawn mower.
For more information see file on Using Mulch.
When and How to Prune Weigela
Prune weigela right after it finishes blooming, usually in July, because next year's flower buds form on the old wood. Weigelas require regular pruning for best success. In colder regions, tips of branches nipped by the cold should be pruned off in the spring. After the new shrub has been in place for two years, begin annual pruning to shape it. Prune for shape immediately after the blossoms are past, usually in July.
Since the next year's flower buds will begin to form on old wood, cutting back new shoots by about 2/3 their length will encourage sturdy wood and numerous buds. Older shrubs that have been neglected show very woody branches and sparse flowers. Renovate them by cutting approximately 1/3 of the old thick stems back to ground level each year. It will take two years for young, new replacement stems to begin to bloom.
For more information see files on Pruning Shrubs and Choosing Pruning Tools.
Weigela Winter Care: Water, Mulch and Frost-Nipped Tips
Getting a weigela ready for winter takes two jobs. Keep watering it through fall whenever it doesn't rain, and cover the roots with 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves. Weigelas are generally hardy where winter temperatures dip as low as 0°F, but the tender branch tips can still get frostbite and die back. That damage won't permanently harm the shrub. In spring, clip off the dead tips before it blooms.
For more information see How To Prepare Weigela For Winter In Fall.
How to Grow New Weigela Plants From Cuttings
New young weigela plants are most easily acquired by means of stem cuttings. In June, July or August clip off a 4-inch length of tender new growth at the tip of a branch. Strip off the leaves at the bottom of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. This is available at garden centers. Stick the cutting into a container of damp sand, peat moss mix or vermiculite. It will develop roots in a week or two. Once the root system is fairly established, transplant the seedling to a pot for maintenance indoors over the winter, or plant it in a sheltered site outdoors.
Weigela Care Comes Down to Timing
Good weigela care is mostly about timing. Water young shrubs until they settle in, feed once a year, and keep the roots mulched. Prune right after the flowers fade so you don't cut off next year's buds. It's not a fussy shrub. Get the timing right and it puts on a big show of flowers every late spring.
Still deciding where to plant one? See ideas for using weigela in your yard.
