When should I prune my Weigela?

Prune immediately after the spring flowering period to encourage new growth for next year.

Does it need full sun?

It performs best in full sun but will tolerate light afternoon shade.

Plant guide

Weigela.

Weigela florida

Pronounced wy-JEE-luh FLOR-ih-duh

Also known as Old Fashioned Weigela, Old-fashion weigela, Oldfashioned weigela, Weigela, Weigelia, early-blooming weigela

Weigela is a lovely deciduous shrub known for its profuse, trumpet shaped flowers that appear in late spring. It is a classic garden staple that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard. This shrub is quite hardy and adapts well to various garden settings.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 150 to 300 cm
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 8
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Plant in a spot with well draining soil and plenty of sun to encourage the best blooms. Prune immediately after the spring flowering period to maintain shape and encourage new growth for next year. Watch for wilting or yellowing leaves which may indicate poor drainage or extreme heat stress.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first growing season.
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
Pruning: Prune back flowered stems by one third immediately after the spring bloom finishes.
Repotting: If kept in a container, move to a slightly larger pot every few years to refresh the soil.
Soil: Loamy, well draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -25 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 15 to 30 years.
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth despite regular feeding.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non toxic to humans, but it is not intended for consumption.
Pets: Weigela is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: While not toxic, the woody stems and dense branches can pose a minor scratching risk to small children.
Contact allergens: There are no significant reports of skin irritation from contact with this shrub.
Airborne allergens: Some individuals may experience mild sensitivity to pollen during the flowering season.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and should not be consumed.

How to identify it

Trumpet shaped pink or red flowers
Opposite, serrated, oval shaped leaves
Arching, woody stems
Peeling bark on mature branches

Height: 1.5 to 3m
Spread: 1.5 to 3m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: pink, red, white, 2 to 4cm

Common problems

Aphids — Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck plant sap.
Leaf spot — Fungal infection causing discolored spots on foliage during humid weather.

Growing it

Propagation: softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to protect roots from extreme temperature swings. No special protection is needed for the branches in most climates.
In containers: It grows well in large containers, provided the pot is at least 15 to 20 gallons to accommodate its root system.

Softwood cuttings

Take 4 to 6 inch cuttings from new growth in early summer.
Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Place in a moist, well draining potting mix.
Keep in a bright, indirect light location until roots form.

Pair with plants that bloom at different times to keep your garden looking lively all season.

Grows well with

Spirea — They share similar sun and moisture requirements while providing contrasting textures.
Daylily — These perennials fill the space beneath the shrub with vibrant color.

Similar species

Mock Orange — Both are popular spring flowering shrubs with similar growth habits.

Science

Family: Caprifoliaceae
Genus: Weigela
Order: Dipsacales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Northern China, Korea, and Japan.
Conservation: This species is not of conservation concern and is widely cultivated.

It thrives in forest margins and open slopes where it can access ample sunlight.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, hummingbirds
Uses: ornamental shrub, pollinator garden, foundation planting

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Soil reaction: 6/9
Moisture: 5/9
Salinity: 2/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

When should I prune my Weigela?: Prune immediately after the spring flowering period to encourage new growth for next year.
Does it need full sun?: It performs best in full sun but will tolerate light afternoon shade.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors Christian Ehrenfried Weigel, while the species name florida refers to its abundant, showy flowers.

Good to know

Weigela flowers are shaped like tiny trumpets.
The shrub was introduced to Western gardens from Asia in the 1800s.
It puts on a spectacular show of blooms in late spring.

Is your weigela looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.