Weigela alexandra is a species of flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae, native to Northeast Asia. It is a deciduous shrub growing to 12 m (37 ft) tall and wide, with elliptical to ovate leaves and corymbs of bell-shaped pink flowers in late spring and early summer.
Related plant:
Weigela Florida Alexandra
Related plant:
Weigela Tree
About soil condition, weigela alexandra prefers well-drained and moist soil, and it can also tolerate clay soil. It requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly. weigela alexandra is a fast-growing plant and can reach its mature height in about 2-3 years.
Not too different with other Weigelas, Alexandra prefers full sun but will also tolerate partial shade. The more sun, the more flowers you'll get. It's a good idea to provide some afternoon shade in hot summer areas. If you live in a mild climate, Weigela will bloom better with some sun protection during the hottest months. It's not fussy about soil, as long as it drains well.
The temperature condition that is best for weigela alexandra is cool to warm weather. This plant does not like the cold weather and will not do well if the temperature gets too low. The best temperature for this plant is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will start to drop and the plant will become dormant. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will become stressed.
The fertilizer, this plant food, is important to the health of the weigela alexandra. The plant will not flower or produce fruit without it. The roots are where the plant absorbs the nutrients from the fertilizer and so the roots are also important.
Pruning your Weigela is important to encourage growth and blooming. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Weigela can be pruned quite heavily if needed, as it is a very forgiving plant. Simply cut back the stems to the desired length, being careful not to damage the plant.
Propagation is best done through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be around 4-6 inches in length, and be taken from new growth. Start by stripping away the lower leaves, and then dipping the cutting in rooting hormone. Next, plant the cutting in a pot filled with seed starting mix, and be sure to keep the soil moist. Place the pot in a area that receives indirect light, and in a few weeks you should see new growth.
Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer months, but growth can continue into the fall in some cases. The amount of new growth is determined by the amount of energy the plant has available. The more leaves a plant has, the more energy it can produce through photosynthesis.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew and leaf spot. Powdery mildew is a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves, while leaf spot is brown or black spots on the leaves. Both of these problems can be controlled by using a fungicide.
Source:
Common Insect Pests of Weigela - University of Kentucky
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: WeigelaUC IPM - ucanr.edu
Connect With Us at The Alexandra School, Barbados
