Maintenance Landscaping Design

Weigela florida is a deciduous shrub that is native to china. It is a popular plant in garden and landscaping design. The weigela florida has beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers that are pink, red, or white. The shrub blooms in late spring to early summer. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The weigela florida is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow.

Also known as

• Old-fashioned weigela
  
• Fine-leaved weigela
  
• Purple weigela
  
• Wine-colored weigela
  
• Scarlet weigela

Good to Know

• Weigela florida is a species of flowering plant in the genus Weigela, native to eastern Asia in China, Korea, and Japan.
  
• It is a deciduous shrub growing to 2–3 m (7–10 ft) tall and wide, with oval to heart-shaped leaves and clusters of pink or white bell-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer.
  
• The Latin specific epithet florida means “flowering”.
  
• Many cultivars have been developed, with flower colors including white, pink, red, and purple.
  
• The cultivar 'Variegata' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
  
• Weigela florida is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
  
• It is tolerant of a wide range of soils and conditions, and is generally disease- and pest-free.
  
• However, it can be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars, and powdery mildew.
  
• It is propagated by seed, softwood or semi-ripe cuttings, or grafting.
  
• Weigela florida has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of fevers and diarrhea.

Related plant:
Weigela Florida Alexandra

Planting Process

1. For weigela florida, first step is to choose the right location. The plant prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade.
   
2. Next, prepare the soil by mixing in organic matter such as compost or manure. Weigela florida prefers a well-drained soil.
   
3. Before planting, soak the roots in water for an hour.
   
4. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the plant's root ball.
   
5. Place the plant in the hole and fill in with soil. Firm the soil around the plant.
   
6. Water the plant deeply.
   
7. Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
   
8. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
   
9. Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
   
10. Enjoy the beautiful flowers that weigela florida produces!

Related plant:
Weigela Bristol Ruby

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, weigela florida prefers humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soils. If the soil is too dry, the plant will become stressed, which can lead to foliar problems. If the soil is too wet, the roots may rot.

Light requirement

Not too different with other plants, weigela florida needs sun to grow. The amount of sun it needs depends on the variety of weigela. Some varieties need full sun, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Other varieties can tolerate partial sun, which means they need at least four hours of direct sunlight a day. If you're not sure how much sun your weigela needs, check the plant tag or ask the nursery where you bought it.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for Weigela florida is cool to moderate. This means that the plant does not do well in extremely hot or cold weather. Weigela florida prefers temperatures that are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too hot or too cold, the plant will not be able to thrive.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant would be around 60%, any lower and the leaves will start to droop and the flowers will start to wilt. The plant does best in moist, well-drained soils but will tolerate short periods of drought.

Fertilizing

Discussing fertilizer, usually the plant fertilizer contains three main nutrients which are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In order to maintain a healthy growth, the weigela florida needs to be fed with the appropriate amount of fertilizer. The best time to feed the plant is during the spring and summer. However, it is important not to over-fertilize the plant as it can damage the roots.

Light requirement

Pruning weigela is an important part of keeping this shrub looking its best. Luckily, it's not difficult to do. For the first few years after planting, you'll want to focus on shaping the plant. This can be done by pruning it back by a third or so in late winter or early spring. Once the plant is established, you can prune it annually in late winter or early spring to keep it looking tidy.

The Propagation

Propagation of weigela florida is best done through rooting of semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that has not yet flowered and be around 4-6 inches in length. Stick the cuttings in a well-drained media such as perlite or vermiculite and maintain high humidity around the cuttings. Rooting should occur in 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, pot the cuttings up into individual pots and grow on under high humidity and bright indirect light.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate information refers to the average amount of growth the plant experiences each growing season. However, weigela florida is a woody shrub, so its growth rate will be slower in subsequent years as the plant matures. A young weigela florida will usually grow at a rate of 1-2 feet per year. Once the plant reaches maturity, its growth rate will slow to about 6 inches per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are stem canker, root rot, and leaf spot. Stem canker is a common disease that can affect the plant. It is caused by a fungus that attacks the plant through wounds in the bark. The fungus can cause the bark to crack and the stem to rot. Root rot is another common problem that can affect the plant. It is caused by a fungus that attacks the plant through the roots. This can cause the plant to wilt and the leaves to turn yellow. Leaf spot is a common problem that can affect the plant. It is caused by a fungus that attacks the plant through the leaves. This can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off.

Growing Tips

• Make sure to plant your weigela in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
  
• Weigela do best in soil that is moist but well-drained.
  
• Amend your soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
  
• Space your weigela plants at least 3 feet apart to allow for proper growth.
  
• Prune your weigela plants in late winter or early spring to help promote new growth.
  
• Be sure to water your weigela plants regularly, especially during periods of drought.
  
• Fertilize your weigela plants once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Protect your weigela plants from strong winds by planting them in a sheltered location.
  
• Watch for common problems such as aphids, scale, or leaf spot and take steps to control them.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful flowers your weigela plants produce from late

Similar Plants

• Welwitschia mirabilis
  
• Wisteria macrostachya
  
• Wisteria frutescens
  
• Wisteria formosana
  
• Wisteria Chinese
  
• Wisteria brachybotrys
  
• Wisteria amurensis
  
• Wisteria
  
• Winecup
  
• Wineflower

Source:
Old Fashioned Weigela (Weigela florida )-Hort Answers
Weigela florida - UDBG
Old Fashioned Weigela (Weigela florida) | VCE Publications