Weigela (Weigela florida) is an old-fashioned shrub that has earned new respect with a host of new varieties to brighten the landscape. These sun-loving shrubs produce trumpet-shaped blooms on arching branches in early spring creating an oasis of color that attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies to the garden.
Some varieties re-bloom throughout the summer. Many varieties feature attractive foliage that adds interest to the landscape after the blooms are gone.
Weigela prefers average, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially sunny location. Most weigelas bloom on old wood and set the buds for the next season’s bloom shortly after blooming.
If you intend to prune your weigelas do so immediately after blooming to avoid removing the buds for the following year’s blooms.
‘My Monet Sunset’ Weigela
This dwarf weigela variety is prized for it’s yellow and green foliage that turns a brilliant red in the fall. While it does produce some pink blooms in the spring, it is the foliage that steals the show. Growing to a height of a mere 18 inches with a spread to match, ‘My Monet® Sunset’ is ideal for growing in containers or as a border along walkways. Hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 8, it thrives in partial to full sun in average well-drained soil.
‘Sonic Bloom Pink’ Weigela
‘Sonic Bloom Pink’ lives up to its name with a burst of bright color in early spring, but this variety continues to bloom all summer long. If you are looking for a color sensation to keep your yard alive with hummingbirds and butterflies this summer, ‘Sonic Bloom Pink’ weigela just might be the answer. Growing to heights of 4 to 5 feet with a matching spread, this variety is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. It thrives in full to partial sun in average well-drained soil.
‘Crimson Kisses’ Weigela
‘Crimson Kisses’ gets its name from its lipstick-red blooms that appear in early spring, but it doesn’t end there. This variety re-blooms periodically throughout the summer keeping the landscape alive with color. This compact shrub grows to a height of 3 feet with a similar spread. It prefers full sun and is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. ‘Crimson Kisses®’ can be grown in containers or planted in flowerbeds. It requires average well-drained soil.
‘Magical Fantasy’ Weigela
‘Magical Fantasy’ offers the best of both worlds with a flush of pink blooms in the early spring on delightful green and white foliage that adds garden interest all summer. Blooms range from pale pastel pink to deep rose with many shades in between. This variety grows to height of 4 feet with a matching spread and is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. It prefers full sun and average well-drained soil.
‘Wine and Rose’ Weigela
‘Wine and Roses’ gets its name from it deep, wine-colored foliage and pink rose-like booms. This variety makes a big statement in the garden as it blooms profusely in the spring and repeats blooming periodically during the summer. It grows to a height of 5 feet with a similar spread and is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade in average well-drained soil.
‘Golden Jackpot’ Weigela
‘Golden Jackpot’ sports brilliant yellow foliage adorned with dark rose colored blooms in the spring. This weigela is prized for its foliage as it keeps color alive in the garden from spring until frost. It grows to heights of 6 feet with a matching spread. ‘Golden Jackpot’ is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8 and thrives in either full or partial sun in average well-drained soil.
‘Czechmark Sunny Side Up’ Weigela
‘Czechmark Sunny Side Up’ features white flowers with a distinctive yellow center making this weigela a bright spot in the spring garden. It is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8 and prefers full sun in average well-drained soil. It grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet with a matching spread. Plant this variety where it receives early morning sun for a dazzling display of color in the morning flowerbed. Apple green foliage adds interest to the flowerbed after blooming is done.
‘Czechmark Trilogy’ Weigela
‘Czechmark Trilogy’ gets its name from the abundance of blooms in pink, red and white that all bloom on the same shrub in spring to early summer. Its glossy foliage is a medium green that stays healthy all season. This variety is hardy in USDA pant hardiness zones 4 through 8 and prefers full sun but can be grown in partial shade. It grows to heights of 3 to 4 feet with a mounding habit that creates an equal spread. It needs average well-drained soil.
‘Snippet Dark Pink’ Weigela
‘Snippet Dark Pink’ produces sensational pink blooms on deep green, mounding foliage in the early spring, but it doesn’t stop there. This variety re-blooms periodically all summer and into the fall making it an excellent choice for extending color in the garden. It grows to heights of a mere 1 to 2 feet with a similar spread. Hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. It can be grown in the flowerbed or in large pots and containers. It prefers full sun and average well-drained soil.
‘Fine Wine’ Weigela
‘Fine Wine’ produces pinks flowers on mounds of deep purple foliage making a striking statement in early spring and then re-blooms periodically throughout the summer. This variety grows to heights of 2 to 3 feet with a spread to match. It is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8 and can be grown in containers. It prefers full sun and average well-drained soil.
