There are so many reasons to love weigela! Just the sheer romantic charm during peak bloom has secured its reputation as a classic. Along with the floral show, the ease of care and the variety of choices make weigela one of our favorite flowering shrubs.
In spring, the tubular blooms burst onto the scene in shades of pink, red, and white. The spring flowering is the most stunning, but some cultivars continue to bloom sporadically throughout summer. The foliage isn’t to be missed either, and along with shades of green, several varieties feature dark foliage that is a show on its own. There are also several sizes to choose from, so whether you need a low mounding shrub or something suitable for larger spaces, weigela is a great choice.
Dark foliage varieties we love: Tuxedo Weigela has dark green, nearly black foliage that offers the perfect backdrop to the ivory spring blooms. The contrast is incredible. Grows to 4-5 feet tall and wide.
For smaller spaces, Very Fine Wine Weigela is a compact dark foliage variety, growing to about 2 and a half feet tall and wide. The dark purple to black foliage is absolutely smothered in pink blooms in late spring.
Reblooming varieties we love: Sonic Bloom Red Weigela is a moderately sized choice that grows to 4-5 feet tall and wide. In spring, the shrub is covered in lipstick red flowers that sporadically reappear throughout the season. Don’t worry- no deadheading is required.
Comes in pink (Sonic Bloom Pink, Sonic Bloom Wine) and white (Sonic Bloom Pearl) too!
Other Favorites: Having trouble choosing a bloom color? Czechmark Trilogy Weigela is perfect for gardeners with commitment issues. Flowering in white, pink, and red on the same plant, this heavy bloomer lets you have it all. Grows to 3 to 3.5 feet tall and wide.
Spilled Wine Weigela has deep purple foliage and gorgeous pink flowers. This one is special because it grows wider than it does tall, making it a useful choice where a low, spreading shape is desired. Grows to about 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
How to Care for Weigela
Weigela is fairly carefree once established. Watering during extended dry periods is a good idea and some compost or slow release fertilizer in spring will help keep weigela looking its best. Full sun will ensure the most floriferous showing.
While it doesn’t need constant pruning, removing dead, damaged, or very old branches encourages healthy new growth and keeps weigela looking fresh. For significant pruning to rejuvenate large, mature specimens, late winter to early spring is a good time. For a light shaping, wait until right after the big spring bloom as with lilacs. More compact varieties need little, if any, pruning.
Stop in and check out our selection of wonderful weigela. If your shrubs have been feeling a little lackluster, weigela might be just the thing you need to bring back the romance!
