Weigela florida aka Weigelia
Taxonomy
Weigela is a genus of deciduous shrubs in the family Caprifoliaceae, with between six and 38 species, all native to eastern Asia. The genus is named after German scientist Christian Ehrenfried Weigel. One species of Weigela is Weigela florida, which is native to North China, Korea, and Japan. This dense, rounded shrub typically grows to 6-10 feet tall and may spread over time to as much as 12 feet wide. Its arching branches give it a distinctive appearance. Weigela florida has elliptic to obovate, medium green leaves with serrate margins that retain their color throughout the growing season. Insignificant fall color and fruit make it a less showy choice. However, funnel-shaped, rose-pink flowers (each to 1.25” long) bloom profusely in the spring, with a sparse and scattered repeat bloom often occurring in mid to late summer. Hummingbirds find these flowers attractive. Another Weigela species, Weigela 'Sunset', is a compact plant that tolerates a range of soil types, air pollution, and clay soil. Native to the same regions, this shrub blooms on old wood, so pruning at any other time will affect the next season's blooms.
Common names
Weigelia, Oldfashioned Weigela, Weigela, Beauty BushHow to care for Weigelia
Difficulty
Weigelia requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Weigelia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Weigelia loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Weigelia prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Weigelia to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
Fertilizer
The Weigelia should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Weigelia’s native range is E. Asia - N. China, Korea.
More info:
Wikipedia
