Weigelas, a Swan in the Garden

By Ms Sherry

Published: May 17, 2009

Tri colored tubular flowers in shades of white, pink and, dark pink populate the same shrub.

The weigela shines during spring! When this deciduous shrub is not in bloom, it may almost be considered the ugly duckling in the garden. But once spring is here this plain Jane turns into a swan. Weigelas appear bullet proof; they bloom in hot sun to part sun, don’t seem very picky about the soil, are not prone to disease or insects, and can easily survive the drought. However, they can get very big, soon taking over the space around them. To me they are best in a supporting rather than a main role. But their wonderful springtime show earns the weigela a place in every landscape, if you give your weigela the right amount of room to flourish. Depending on the cultivar weigelas can reach 15 feet tall and almost that wide. However, there are also dwarf selections (for example ‘Minuet’)  on the market. I made the mistake early on in my gardening career of planting three together; eventually, they took over. I also discovered, when they were not blooming they were not especially attractive. I am not sure of the name for the weigela in the photograph but its claim to fame is three colors of flowers on the same bush. It is magnificent. (The label and my recall for the names of all my shrubs have disappeared). When the blooms diminish and the leaves come out, it will become a nice background plant. This weigela is about 8 feet tall and 6 around. I also have a weigela with wonderful variegated foliage which continues to be beautiful after the blooming show has passed.  Pruning is best done by cutting the oldest canes to the ground. THE SOUTHERN LIVING GARDEN BOOK also suggests that you can cut the whole plant back halfway every other year. I personally have not tried this method as mine still seems vigorous and healthy. I do prune out any dead canes when necessary.

A weigela is proof positive that you don’t have to be a star every minute of the year but, when it is your turn to shine, you will wow your audience.

(Please remember that I garden in East Central Alabama in an area that varies between hardiness zones 7B-8A; should you decide to plant any of the items mentioned in “The Inquisitve Gardener” in your own garden. please do check for plant hardiness in your area.)