Blooming on arching braches from late spring to early summer, this is an old-fashioned beauty of a shrub. It's been updated to include varieties that are more compact, longer blooming, and some with flashy foliage. Ranging from tall back of the border types to smaller ones ideal for pots. All are hardy, with no trace of diva-like behavior. And, they do quite well in hot summers, too. More? Hummingbirds love them, too.
If you need a shrub that blooms early. Then earns its keep in a perennial border or foundation planting due to attractive foliage, give weigela a closer look. Here are a few of our favorites.
Dark Horse Weigela
Low and spreading with rich, mauve-pink flowers topping dark bronze foliage. Use this one for a low hedge, under taller foundation plants, or in a pot. Up to 3 ft. tall and wide. Full Sun. Zone: 4 – 8
Golden Jackpot® Weigela
Perhaps the brightest weigela yet, this exciting new shrub shines with brilliant golden leaves. These hold their color all season long, undaunted by summer sun. And, pink blooms that last for nearly a month. Up to 6 ft. tall and wide. Partial to full sun. Zone: 4 – 8
Crimson Kisses™ Weigela
Just-right sized to back a flower border or in a container, this is a new, more compact reblooming weigela. It has a tidy, rounded shape covered with bright, lipstick-red flowers kissed with a white eye. Up to 3 ft. tall and wide. Full sun. Zone: 4 – 9
Magical® Fantasy Weigela
How fresh and cool does this look with those variegated, white-margined leaves. And, tons of pretty flowers in shades of pink from pale to rose! Pop this one next to pink or white roses. Up to 4 ft. tall and wide. Full sun. Zone: 4 – 8
Coco Krunch® Weigela
New and exclusive from Monrovia, this compact, colorful shrub offers dark ruby-red foliage and exceptional hardiness. Loads of soft-red flowers are displayed on a neat, mounded form, spring to summer. Up to 3 ft. tall and wide. Full sun. Zone: 4 – 8
My Monet® Sunset Weigela
Petite yes, but what a color pop for the front of beds and borders for multi-seasons of color. Yellow and green variegated foliage turn red in fall (occasionally pink flowers, too). Up to 18-in. tall and wide. Partial to full sun. Zone: 5 – 8
Wine & Roses® Weigela
Dark glossy foliage contrasts beautifully with the rosy-pink flowers, making for a high impact display in the garden. Produces copious amounts of flowers in spring, and re-blooms throughout summer. Up to 5 ft. tall and wide. Partial to full sun. Zone: 4 – 8
What Weigela Wants
- Prefers well-drained soils but fairly adaptable to other soil types.
- It is best to prune immediately after flowering.
- Will flower sporadically on current season’s growth.
- Medium moisture.
- Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs.