Weigela x

Weigela
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Hybrid Weigelas may range in height anywhere from 1-10' tall and wide. Growth rate may be slow, but is usually moderate to fast.

Native Range

Most hybrid Weigelas have their parental origins in Japan, Korea & northern China

Flower and Fruit Details

Perfect, 1-2" funnel-shaped flowers, pink, white, or reddish, occurring in May to June on short twigs from last year's branches. Borne singly or in clusters in axillary cymes. Sometimes continues sparse flowering sporadically in mid-late summer. Fruits are 2-valved, glabrous, 1" capsules of no ornamental value, containing seeds that are unwinged to slightly winged.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Leaves are elliptic to ovate-oblong, simple, opposite, 2-4.5" long & 3/4-1 1/2" wide, medium green, acuminate at the tip, finely serrated along the margin, glabrous above except on midrib, pubescent or tomentose on veins beneath. Short petiole, 1/8-1/4" long. Some hybrids have reddish/burgundy/purple foliage all season long, and others have variegated leaves. Usually no significant fall color. Young twigs have 2 vertical rows of hairs running node to node.

Culture and Care

Transplant bare root or from container into full sun. Does not survive in shade. Die-back often occurs, and pruning after main flowering is necessary. Finish pruning by July 1. Zones 5(4)-8(9). Best in Zones 5-6. Pollution-tolerant, but not drought-tolerant. Prefers a moist, neutral pH, well-drained soil, but is very adaptable, so also tolerates clay soil. Has only slight salt tolerance. No serious disease or insect problems. Occasional viruses, leaf spot diseases, Japanese beetles, plant bugs & crown gall.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Deer resistant. 3-season interest: Spring, summer & fall. Attracts hummingbirds & butterflies. Genus name honors Christian Ehrenfried Weigel (1748-1831), German professor at the University of Geifswald.

Suggested Uses

Best used on the shrub border, for grouping or massing. Makes a good hedge plant, accent plant or a summer screen. Makes a good border or property margin. Works in containers & as a cut flower. Some are suitable for specimen or foundation plantings.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA

The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.

  • Weigela x 'Alexander' // Alexander Weigela
    Shrub. Cold-hardy, Zone 4-8. Purple foliage color holds best in Zones 4-6. Needs full sun. Showy, hot pink to rosy-pink flowers bloom heavily on old wood in May-June, and reblooming sporadically in the summer. Compact, upright habit. Gets 4-5' tall and wide. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, but is deer resistant. In the Proven Winners® series of award-winning, excellent plants. It plays the role of "thriller" when used as a container plant. Then plant it in the ground in the fall. It also makes a good cut flower. Used effectively in massing, shrub borders, group plantings, or as a specimen plant. Foliage is dark burgundy-purple to blackish-purple color, spring through summer. Prune back after spring flowering and it will rebloom.
    Bed 100

  • Weigela x 'Java Red' // Java Red Weigela
    Shrub. 3-4' tall and 4-5' wide, a compact, spreading, dense, rounded shrub with coarse branches that eventually arch to the ground. Carmine red flower buds open to deep pink flowers. Fruits are capsules of no ornamental value, seeds unwinged to slightly winged. Deep green leaves with a purplish-red overcast. No fall color of consequence. Transplant bare root or from container into full sun. Pollution tolerant. Pruning after flowering may be necessary. Zones 5-8(9). No serious diseases. Best used in the shrub border, for grouping or massing. Very similar to W. f. 'Foliis Purpureis'. Some experts say it is the same plant.
    Bed 100