How to Grow Weigela Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Weigela tree is a medium sized deciduous shrub that is native to China. It grows to be about 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. The leaves are dark green and the flowers are pink. It blooms in the spring and summer.

How to Grow Weigela Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Pink Rose of China
  • Japanese Weigela
  • Scarlet Weigela
  • Old Fashioned Weigela
  • Wine Cup Weigela

Common Knowledge

  • Weigela trees are native to East Asia and prefer temperate climates.
  • They are deciduous trees, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall.
  • Weigela trees are relatively fast-growing and can reach up to 20 feet tall.
  • The tree's branches are covered in small, oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in color.
  • In the spring, weigela trees produce small, white or pink flowers that are quite fragrant.
  • Weigelas are generally low-maintenance trees and don't require a lot of care.
  • However, they do need to be pruned regularly to maintain their shape and size.
  • Weigela trees are relatively disease- and pest-resistant.
  • They are generally hardy trees and can tolerate a wide range of soil and environmental conditions.
  • Weigelas make an excellent addition to any landscape and can be used as specimen trees or planted in groups.

Related plant:
Weigela Florida Alexandra

Growing Steps

  1. For weigela tree, first step is to find a sunny spot in your yard that has well-drained soil.
  2. Once you have found the perfect spot, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
  3. Next, you will need to remove the tree from its container. To do this, simply turn the container upside down and gently tap on the bottom until the tree loosens and falls out.
  4. Once the tree is out of its container, it is time to start backfilling the hole you dug with soil. Make sure to firm the soil around the tree as you go to avoid any air pockets.
  5. Water the tree well after planting and continue to do so every week or so, especially during the first growing season.
  6. Fertilize the weigela tree in early spring and again in mid-summer with a fertilizer designed for trees and shrubs.
  7. Prune the tree as needed to shape it and remove any dead or diseased branches.
  8. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat accordingly.
  9. Enjoy your beautiful weigela tree!

Related plant:
Czechmark Trilogy Weigela

Considering the Soil

About soil , Weigela is not too fussy and grows well in most average soils as long as it is well-drained. Sandy loams or clay loams amended with organic matter are ideal. Weigela is tolerant of both alkaline and acidic soils.

Light requirement

Similar to other Weigelas, the Weigela tree does best in full sun. It grows quickly and can reach up to 15 feet in height. The deep green foliage is accented by deep pink flowers that appear in late spring and early summer.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions are ideal for the weigela tree. The tree does best in full sun to partial shade and requires moist, well-drained soils. It is adaptable to different soil types but prefers rich loams. The weigela tree is tolerant of urban pollution and is considered to be drought tolerant once established.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves of the weigela tree will start to drop. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will be more susceptible to fungal diseases.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant requires a lot of nitrogen, so using a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content is recommended. Otherwise, the plant may not bloom as much as it should. It's also important to make sure that the roots of the tree are not too dry, as this can lead to problems with the plant's growth.

Light requirement

Pruning a Weigela tree is essential to its health and growth. This type of tree grows quickly and can become overgrown if left unchecked. Pruning also encourages new growth, which can help the tree to produce more flowers.

About Propagating

Propagation is best achieved through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 5-8 inches long and taken from new growth. Place the cuttings in a rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the potting mix moist but not wet and place in a bright, indirect light. Cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, transplants can be placed in a sunny location in the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered fast. In general, young weigela trees grow at a rate of 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) per year. More rapid growth rates of 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) per year have been reported for young trees in ideal growing conditions. Once they reach maturity, weigela tree growth rates usually slow to about 1 foot (0.3 m) per year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiency. Pests include aphids, scale, and spider mites. Diseases include powdery mildew and root rot. The most common nutrient deficiency is iron deficiency, which causes leaves to turn yellow.

Basics of Growing

  • If you are growing weigela tree for the first time, start with a young plant from a nursery.
  • Choose a location for your plant that gets full sun to partial shade.
  • Prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or manure.
  • Water your plant regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Fertilize your plant twice a year, in spring and fall, with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your weigela tree in late winter or early spring to shape it and encourage new growth.
  • Protect your plant from pests and diseases by keeping the area around it free of debris and weeds.
  • mulch around the base of your plant to help retain moisture and deter weeds.
  • Check your plant regularly for signs of pests or diseases and take action immediately if you see any.
  • Enjoy the beautiful blooms of your weig

Similar Plants

  • Wisteria
  • Wineberry
  • Widdringtonia
  • Whipcord cedar

Source:
Weigela | Oklahoma State University
Weigela florida | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Species: Weigela ?orida - Cornell University

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