What hardiness zones is Weigela florida 'Variegata' suitable for?

Weigela florida 'Variegata' is variegated weigela, a compact mounding deciduous shrub growing 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall and 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) wide — smaller than the species type W. florida (6-10 feet / 1.8-3 m tall, 8-12 feet / 2.4-3.6 m wide). Green leaves with cream-white margins (variegated), ovate, opposite, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). Pink tubular (funnel-shaped) flowers 1 inch (2.5 cm) in clusters of 3-5 along arching stems in May-June (3 weeks). Hummingbird-visited. Turns yellow in fall. In Caprifoliaceae. The cream-white variegated leaf margins extend visual interest beyond the bloom period. Occasional all-green reverted shoots appear — these must be removed promptly, as green growth is more vigorous and overtakes the variegated foliage. This reversion management is the primary maintenance concern. The variegated foliage may scorch (brown leaf margins) in hot afternoon sun in zones 7-8 — afternoon shade reduces scorch. Blooms on old wood. Drought-tolerant once established. Deer browse. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Species W. florida native to northern China, Korea, and Japan. 'Variegata' is a cultivar selected for cream-margined variegated foliage.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a specimen shrub, mixed border plant, and in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L), spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m). Variegated foliage extends seasonal interest. Remove green reversions. Afternoon shade in hot climates. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.

How to Identify

Identified by green leaves with cream-white margins (variegated) and pink tubular flowers on a compact mounding deciduous shrub. The cream-white leaf margins distinguish 'Variegata' from the solid green species type. Smaller (4-6 feet / 1.2-1.8 m) than the species type (6-10 feet / 1.8-3 m). In Caprifoliaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 6'

Width/Spread4' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring Summer

Late spring to early summer (May-June). Pink tubular flowers 1 inch (2.5 cm) in clusters of 3-5 along arching stems. 3 weeks on old wood. Hummingbird-, bee-, and butterfly-visited.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pink, tubular (funnel-shaped), 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, in clusters of 3-5 along arching stems

Foliage Description

Green with cream-white margins (variegated), simple, ovate, opposite, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm); the cream-white leaf margins lighten the overall foliage appearance; turns yellow in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 4-8 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

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours — afternoon shade in zones 7-8 to reduce leaf scorch on variegated margins). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5. Drought-tolerant once established. Remove all-green reverted shoots promptly. Blooms on old wood — prune after flowering (June-July). Deer browse. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.

Pruning

Prune after flowering (June-July) — blooms on old wood. Remove all-green reverted shoots at any time (they overtake the variegated foliage). Remove 1/3 of oldest stems at the base for renewal. The arching mounding form is natural.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic