Flowering shrubs such as Weigela florida are an attractive addition to any landscape.
Native to northern China and Korea, this deciduous flowering shrub has clusters of beautiful tubular flowers that run along the length of the arching branches. It can be found blooming in late spring and early summer, with some varieties such as the Sonic Bloom series (pearl, pink and red flowers) re-blooming throughout the season. The colourful tubular flowers are ideal for attracting humming birds and butterflies.
The older varieties were grown primarily for their flowers but many of the newer varieties such as Spilled Wine and Tuxedo not only have beautiful flowers but also attractive colourful foliage. Spilled Wine has dark pink blooms set against dark purple foliage, and Tuxedo's white bell-shaped flowers contrast beautifully against the deep dark foliage.
Weigelas grow best in a fertile, well-drained soil, and in a sunny location. Keep them well-watered throughout the first year they are planted, until the roots become established. They do better in a slightly sheltered location that is protected from the winter wind.
Weigelas form next year's flowers during the summer and sometimes when there are harsh, cold winter winds, the flower buds can be damaged, resulting in less flowers the following season. Protecting the plants will help ensure a good floral display.
Not only are they quite easy to grow, they are also a low-maintenance plant. Weigelas are pruned in late spring, right after they have finished blooming. Pruning is not necessary, but is done to keep the plant evenly-shaped and sized. To rejuvenate the plant, and encourage new growth, a few of the oldest branches can be removed from ground level each spring. Ideally, the plant should have some old stems and some new stems for optimum flowers. They are rarely bothered by pests and disease but to help ensure a healthy plant, apply Lime Sulfur and Dormant Oil to them in the spring before the leaves break out. Lime Sulfur and Dormant Oil will kill any overwintering pests and disease on deciduous trees and shrubs. As always, it is important to read and follow the manufacturers directions before using it, so that it is applied properly.
Weigelas are beautiful in mixed shrub borders, groups, mass plantings, backgrounds and some of the more compact varieties such as Spilled Wine - which are only 30 to 60 centimetres tall and 90 to 120cm wide, and Crimson Kisses (90 to 120cm tall and wide) - are ideal for mixed perennial beds. Maroon Swoon (1.2 to 1.5 metres tall, 90 to 100cm wide) is a new variety that will stand out wherever it is planted, with its deep red blooms contrasting with the deep green foliage.
