How to Grow Pink Weigela - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Pink weigela is a shrub that is known for its beautiful pink flowers. The blooms of this plant are very eye-catching and make it a popular choice for gardens. This shrub is easy to care for and does not require a lot of maintenance.

How to Grow Pink Weigela - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Japanese weigela
  • Salvador weigela
  • Scarlet weigela
  • Wine weigela
  • Wooly weigela

Common Knowledge

  • Pink weigela is a deciduous shrub that is native to East Asia.
  • It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
  • The pink weigela has showy flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
  • The shrub prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils.
  • It is generally low-maintenance and pest-resistant.
  • Pink weigela can be propagated by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings.
  • The shrub typically reaches a height of 2-3 m (6-8 ft) and a width of 1-2 m (3-6 ft).
  • It is named after Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg, a German botanist.
  • The pink weigela is the national flower of South Korea.
  • It is the provincial flower of Hamgyong Province in North Korea.

Related plant:
Buddleja Davidii Pink Delight

Growing Steps

  1. For pink weigela, first step is finding a suitable location. This shrub prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  2. Second step is preparing the planting hole. The hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and just deep enough so the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  3. Next, backfill the hole with soil and water deeply.
  4. Once the plant is established, water regularly (about once a week) during dry spells.
  5. Fertilize pink weigela in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  6. Prune pink weigela after bloom period in late spring or early summer.
  7. Enjoy the beautiful pink flowers that will appear in late spring and early summer!

Related plant:
Pink Bush

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the best type of soil for planting weigela is rich, well-drained loam. Sandy or clay soils can be amended with the addition of organic matter to improve drainage and aeration. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

About light

Like the other weigela shrubs, the pink weigela requires full sun to partial shade, with at least four to six hours of sunlight per day. too much shade will make the shrub leggy, and it won't bloom as profusely.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for pink weigela are those that are cool and moist. This shrub thrives in environments where the temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Pink weigela is also a plant that requires a lot of moisture. The soil that it grows in should be constantly moistened. If the soil around pink weigela begins to dry out, the shrub will begin to wilt.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40-50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and curl. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to get spots and drop off.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't need too much. You can actually use a slow-release fertilizer which will last the entire season. Just make sure that you don't overdo it because too much fertilizer can actually burn the roots of the plant. When it comes to the roots, Weigela are actually pretty tough. They can withstand a lot of different conditions, but they do need to be well-drained. If the roots are too wet, they can actually rot.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your weigela healthy and vibrant. Each spring, prune back any dead or diseased branches. You can also prune to shape the plant or to control its size. To do this, simply remove any branches that are growing outside the desired shape. Just be sure not to remove more than one-third of the plant's branches.

The Propagation

Propagation is best done in late summer or early fall by taking softwood cuttings from new growth. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be 4-6 inches long. Cut just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained potting mix. Water well and place in a shady spot. Keep the soil moist but not soggy until roots have formed. Once roots have formed, transplant to a larger pot or plant in the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 2 feet a year, but some growth 3 feet in a season. The plant's size can vary depending on its age, location, and growing conditions. The average plant size is probably about 15 feet wide and 10 feet tall.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and stem canker. Powdery mildew is a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves, leaf spots are brown or black spots on the leaves, and stem cankers are sunken, dark areas on the stems. These problems can be controlled by pruning out infected areas, avoiding overhead watering, and using a fungicide.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun.
  • Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding some organic matter.
  • Dig a hole that is twice the width of the plant’s root ball.
  • Set the plant in the hole and backfill it with soil.
  • Water the plant thoroughly.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
  • Prune the plant annually to encourage new growth.
  • Fertilize the plant twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat them accordingly.
  • Enjoy the beautiful blooms of your pink weigela!

Alternative Plants

  • Red Prince Weigela (Weigela florida 'Red Prince')
  • fine wine Weigela (Weigela coraeensis 'Nana')
  • Wine & Roses Weigela (Weigela florida 'Alexandra')
  • Wine Cup Weigela (Weigela florida ' Wine Cup')
  • Wine & Roses Weigela (Weigela florida ' Alexanda')
  • Wine Cup Weigela (Weigela florida ' WINE CUP')
  • Wine Cup Weigela (Weigela florida 'WineCup')
  • Wine Cup Weigela (Weigela florida 'WinCup')
  • Wine Cup Weigela (Weigela florida 'WineCup ')
  • Wine Cup Weigela (Weigela fl

Source:
Weigela florida | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
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