Weigela (Weigela florida)
Weigelas [why-GEEL-yas], originally from China (Eastern Asia), have long been favorites in American yards and gardens. The several kinds of this showy flowering shrub all produce copious blooms in the late spring or early summer and are virtually pest free. Old fashioned Weigelas and forms developed from it are the most commonly planted weigelas. Spectacular while in bloom, the rest of the season they are ordinary, blending into the green landscape, and serving as backdrops for other plants. Deciduous shrubs, they lose their leaves in the fall. Weigelas are also pollution resistant and attractive to hummingbirds.
Size: Most weigelas grow to 7 or 8 feet, although there are dwarf forms that grow to only 4 or 5 feet. Their loosely branching habit causes them to spread nearly as wide as they are tall. They are rapid growers, their woody branches becoming somewhat coarse and stiffly rangy if they are not pruned. Some varieties, like pink weigelia 12-18 inches tall, are more compact but equally effective in adding color to your garden or landscaping.
Foliage: Weigela leaves grow opposite each other along the stems. They are narrowly oval, 2 to 4 inches long with saw-toothed edges and pointed tips. Their veins are obvious in the medium to dark green leaf surface. Leaf undersides are paler, showing hairs along the veins. Some kinds of weigela shrubs have variegated leaves of green with white or gold edges. Although most weigelas do not have autumn color, one or two varieties turn a reddish color before leaf drop in the fall. The different foliage colors add visual interest to any garden or landscaping setting.
Flowers and Fruit: Trumpet shaped flowers about 1 inch long grow singly or in short clusters along the branches of previous year's growth. They appear in late May or early June in the East and Northwest, earlier in California. Some types bloom a bit earlier, when the common lilacs in the area do. Nestled among the foliage, the flowers may be deep pink, red, white or rose, and rarely, yellow, depending on the weigela variety. The flowers last only 10 to 14 days and then produce an inconspicuous brown capsule-like seed. Sometimes there is intermittent flowering near the end of the summer and into fall. Pink weigela typically blooms in vibrant shades, making them perfect for mixed borders.
Weigela florida prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-draining soil. It is an easy to grow shrub that works well in foundation plantings and mixed borders, adding significant color to the landscape.
Weigela Choices
There are many choices among weigelas. Among them: Java Red' is smaller than typical, has dark red flowers; Bristol Snowflake' has whitish-pink flowers; Variegata' has foliage bordered in yellow and pink flowers; Conquerant' has largest flowers, rose colored; Floreal' blooms early, has purplish-pink blooms; Venustais the hardiest of all.Eva Suprema` tolerates partial shade well. For more information see file on Selecting Shrubs.
Weigela is a versatile shrub that not only adds color but also grows to a height suitable for various garden settings. Whether used in foundation plantings or as part of a vibrant border, this easy-to-grow plant brings charm and elegance. By integrating Weigela into your garden or landscaping, you ensure a visually appealing space that flourishes throughout the season. This remarkable shrub effortlessly grows to your garden or landscaping needs, making it a perfect choice for enhancing outdoor spaces.
For more information see file on Selecting Shrubs.
