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 Bush

How 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

Weigelia requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Weigelia will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

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