Weigela: location, care and flowering time
Low-maintenance weigelas enchant with their colourful abundance of flowers. This robust ornamental shrub does not need much to thrive successfully.
The deciduous weigela (Weigela) is truly eye-catching both in the garden and in containers on a terrace or balcony. It captivates above all through two characteristics: its beauty and its frugality. In this article, we will show you what weigelas need in order to flower abundantly.
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Weigelas: origin and characteristics
This deciduous ornamental shrub belongs to the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) and originates from north-east Asia, more precisely from Japan, Korea, China and parts of Russia. There, weigelas grow mainly in mixed forests and bushes. They have been cultivated as ornamental shrubs in European parks and gardens since the 19th century. The Weigela genus, with its 12 or so species and the varieties that have evolved from them, offers shrubs with different leaf colourings from green and multi-coloured leaves to reddish foliage.
Similarly, the flowers can be white, pale pink or a delicate yellow. However, the growth habit of weigela varieties and species is similar – mostly sparse with long, overhanging flower shoots and upright overall. Its deciduous leaves are elliptical, arranged opposite and short to sessile. The flowers are cup or funnel-shaped and resemble a bell. For this reason, the weigela is also called the bell bush.
Weigelas look confusingly similar to the Kolkwitzia (Kolkwitzia amabilis). A distinction can be made by looking at the flowers:
- Flower shape: the flowers of the weigela are funnel-shaped while the Kolkwitzia has more elongated, trumpet-shaped flowers that are yellow on the inside.
- Flowering time: both plants flower in May. However, weigelas can still flower later in the year.
- Petals: weigela petals are pointed and evenly arranged. The Kolkwitzia, on the other hand, has five rounded petals, two near the top and three at the bottom.
When do weigelas bloom?
The main flowering period is between May and June. Several varieties even flower until August. Once the first flowering is over, there may also be a somewhat weaker post-blooming. To encourage the second flush of flowers, cut back the old flower clusters.
After the flowering period, the weigelas’ seed capsules ripen and can be harvested and used for sowing. Alternatively, there are two much simpler propagation methods – we explain how you can propagate weigelas in our special article.
Are weigelas bee-friendly?
Yes, the bell-shaped flowers of the weigela literally attract bees. It serves as an important food source for insects during the flowering period.
Planting weigelas: location and method
Weigelas do not have high demands and are therefore easy-care garden residents. When, where and how to plant the ornamental shrub is explained below.
The optimal location for weigelas
Weigelas are very undemanding when it comes to their location. They prefer a spot with plenty of sunlight and a humusy, nutrient-rich and water-permeable soil, which may be slightly acidic to alkaline. Make sure that the substrate neither dries out nor tends to become waterlogged. It can grow equally well in partial shade but will flower less prolifically there.
Planting weigelas: how to proceed
The optimal time for planting is in spring. Dig a planting hole that is about one and a half times as deep as the size of the ball. If planted as a specimen, the ornamental shrub should be given a little more space and planted approximately 2 metres from any neighbouring plants. If the chosen location tends to be waterlogged, it is advisable to lay a drainage layer of gravel or chippings prior to planting. Once the weigela has been placed, the spaces in between can be filled with topsoil and the freshly planted weigela can be watered. Suitable planting neighbours include astilbes (Astilbe), kolkwitzia (colkwitzia amabilis) and Mock Orange (philadelphus coronarius). Suitable underplantings include cranesbills (geranium), foamflower (tiarella), plantain lillies (hosta), avens (geum) and wood anemone (anemone nemorosa).
Planting weigela hedges
Weigelas are particularly suitable as informal, loosely growing hedges such as for boundaries between gardens. Ideally, the shrub should be planted in spring between April and May so that the ornamental shrub can root well until winter. We show how you can plant weigelas as a hedge below:
- Dig a furrow in the desired location, about 1 ½ times as deep as the ball
- Loosen the soil generously with a pitchfork
- Plant the weigelas 1 – 1.5 metres from each other
- Fill gaps with soil
- Water well
Planting weigelas in a container
Weigelas not only make for an excellent hedge; the perennial ornamental shrub can also be cultivated in containers. Small-growing species and varieties are particularly suitable for this. We recommend using a high-quality compost such as our peat-free Plantura Organic Flower Compost. The expanded clay it contains ensures optimum structure and permeability while potassium and phosphorus stimulate lush flowering.
- Perfect for all flowering plants in garden beds & pots
- For beautiful blossoms & healthy plant growth
- Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
Depending on the size of the plant, care should be taken to choose an appropriate pot size with a diameter of at least 40 cm.
Important care measures
Weigelas are very robust and easy to care for. From March to August only, potted plants should be fed a liquid fertiliser such as our Plantura Liquid Flower Food. The nutrients it contains not only ensure healthy plant growth but also lush flowering.
- Perfect for all flowers & balcony plants
- Liquid fertiliser for a lush blossom throughout the season
- Quick & easy application - child & pet friendly
Pruning is not absolutely necessary. To maintain a compact growth, a delicate topiary is recommended after the shrub has flowered. Here, you can cut back the withered shoots to the next node or dormant bud. This does not endanger the subsequent flowering in autumn, as that takes place on this year’s wood. In our special article, we explain the possible pruning measures and what you should also bear in mind when pruning weigelas.
Are weigelas hardy?
Yes, the weigela is hardy in itself and does not need winter protection in the garden. In a pot, however, the plant needs some attention as its roots are not protected enough here. It is best to place your weigela against the wall of the house and wrap the plant with fleece or jute. Placing a layer of mulch on the soil also protects against heavy frosts. When the last late frosts in May are over, you can put the plant back in its usual place.
Are weigelas poisonous?
All parts of the weigela are not poisonous to humans, dogs or cats and can therefore be planted in the garden or on a balcony without hesitation. Nevertheless, it is an ornamental shrub, which is why it is not advisable to eat any parts of the plant.
Another splendidly flowering ornamental plant that makes a beautiful hedge is the pergethrub (Cotinus coggygria) – we have briefly summarised which varieties this species includes and how to prune the shrub.
