What hardiness zones is Weigela florida suitable for?

Weigela florida is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Weigela florida?

Weigela florida requires Full Sun.

How much water does Weigela florida need?

Weigela florida has Medium water needs.

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Deciduous Shrubs

Weigela florida

weigela

CaprifoliaceaeNorthern China, Korea, Japan

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitMounding

FoliageDeciduous

Height6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)

Width8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 m)

Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Attracts Hummingbirds

Drought Tolerant

Maintenancelow

Overview

Weigela florida is a deciduous shrub reaching 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) tall with a spread of 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 m), developing a broad, rounded to mounding form with arching branches. One of the most reliable spring-flowering shrubs in the Pacific Northwest. Leaves are opposite, simple, ovate to elliptic, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, serrate, medium to dark green. Fall color is insignificant. Flowers are funnel-shaped (not tubular — they flare at the mouth), 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long, borne in clusters of 1-4 along the arching branches in May to June. Species flower color is rose-pink; cultivars range from white through pink to deep red, and some have purple or variegated foliage. Flowers attract hummingbirds — one of the better woody plants for hummingbird gardens. Some cultivars rebloom sporadically in late summer. Growth rate is moderate to fast at 12-18 inches (30-46 cm) per year. The genus is named for Christian Ehrenfried Weigel, a German botanist. In the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle family). The species epithet 'florida' means 'flowering,' not from Florida. Relatively pest- and disease-free. Can become leggy and open with age if not pruned regularly. Popular cultivars include 'Wine and Roses' (dark purple foliage, pink flowers), 'Red Prince' (bright red flowers), and 'My Monet' (dwarf, variegated).

Native Range

Native to northern China, Korea, and Japan. Introduced to Western cultivation in 1845 by Robert Fortune.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen, in mixed borders, or as an informal hedge where the spring flower display and hummingbird attraction can be appreciated, spaced 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) apart. One of the best shrubs for hummingbird gardens. Cultivars with purple foliage ('Wine and Roses', 'Midnight Wine') provide season-long foliage color. Dwarf cultivars ('My Monet', 'Midnight Wine') are suitable for smaller spaces and containers. Cut branches are attractive in arrangements.

How to Identify

Identified by opposite, ovate, serrate leaves, funnel-shaped flowers in clusters along arching branches in late spring, and broad mounding habit. Distinguished from Kolkwitzia amabilis (beautybush) by flared funnel-shaped (not narrow tubular) flowers and broader, less upright habit. Distinguished from Deutzia by larger, flared flowers. The opposite leaves, funnel-shaped flowers, and arching branch habit are diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 10'

Width/Spread8' - 12'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Rose-pink funnel-shaped flowers in clusters along arching branches in May to June, lasting 2-3 weeks. Flowers open progressively along branches, extending bloom. Hummingbirds visit frequently. Some cultivars ('Sonic Bloom', 'Bloom Strike') rebloom sporadically in late summer on new wood. Light reblooming may occur on the species as well.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Rose-pink

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclay

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-4 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant. Plant in full sun for best flowering; tolerates part shade with reduced bloom. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Relatively pest- and disease-free. May become leggy and bare at the base if not pruned regularly. Mulch to maintain moisture.

Pruning

Prune immediately after the main spring bloom in June to July. Remove one-third of the oldest stems at the base annually to maintain vigor and prevent the plant from becoming leggy and open. Shorten remaining stems as needed to control size and shape. Blooms primarily on old wood (previous season's growth). For reblooming cultivars, a light shearing after the first flush encourages a second round of flowers on new growth. Rejuvenate overgrown plants by cutting all stems to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in late winter, sacrificing one season of bloom.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic