Weigela florida 'Variegata', variegated weigela
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Deciduous Shrubs

Weigela florida 'Variegata'

variegated weigela

Caprifoliaceae

Northern China, Korea, Japan (cultivar)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Width4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 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
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Weigela florida 'Variegata' is a deciduous shrub reaching 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall with a spread of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m), developing a compact, dense, mounding form — smaller and neater than the species. The primary distinguishing feature is the foliage: leaves are opposite, simple, ovate, 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long, medium green with a broad, irregular creamy-white to pale yellow margin. The variegation is stable and consistent, providing season-long foliage interest. Flowers are deep rose-pink, funnel-shaped, 1-1.25 inches (2.5-3 cm) long, in clusters along branches in May to June. The contrast of deep pink flowers against variegated foliage is the cultivar's most striking feature. Flowers attract hummingbirds. Growth rate is moderate at 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) per year — slower than the species. More compact than the species, less prone to becoming leggy. One of the oldest and most reliable variegated weigela cultivars, in cultivation since the late 19th century. The variegation holds well in part shade, where it can brighten dark areas.

Native Range

The species Weigela florida is native to northern China, Korea, and Japan. The cultivar 'Variegata' is a garden selection, in cultivation since the late 19th century.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen, in mixed borders, and in foundation plantings where the variegated foliage provides season-long interest, spaced 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) apart. The white-margined foliage brightens partly shaded areas. More compact than the species, suitable for smaller spaces. Combines well with purple-leaved plants for foliage contrast. Effective as a low, informal hedge. The pink flowers on variegated foliage create a distinctive bicolor display.

How to Identify

Identified by creamy-white-margined variegated leaves, deep rose-pink funnel-shaped flowers, and compact mounding habit. Distinguished from the species by variegated (not solid green) foliage and smaller size (4-6 vs 6-10 feet). Distinguished from 'My Monet' (another variegated cultivar) by larger size and more pronounced variegation pattern. The broad white leaf margins are diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink

Foliage Colors

green
white

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Deep rose-pink funnel-shaped flowers in clusters along branches in May to June, lasting 2-3 weeks. The contrast of pink flowers against creamy-white-margined foliage is particularly attractive. Flowers attract hummingbirds. Sporadic rebloom may occur in late summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Deep rose-pink

Foliage Description

Green with creamy-white margins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-10 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 to part shade; variegation holds well in moderate shade, where the white leaf margins brighten dark areas. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Remove any all-green reverted shoots promptly — they are more vigorous than variegated growth and will eventually dominate if left. Relatively pest- and disease-free.

Pruning

Prune after flowering in June to July. Thin oldest stems at the base every few years. The compact habit requires less corrective pruning than the species. Remove any all-green reverted shoots as soon as they appear. Avoid heavy shearing, which destroys the natural arching form.

Pruning Schedule

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summer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic