Weigela can become a real decoration of the garden. A photo and description of the shrub, planting and care in the open ground, as well as the features of propagation of decorative weigel will be described in this article. Many of us plant flowers in addition to horticultural crops. The desire to ennoble your garden, plot and adjacent territory is a natural desire of every summer resident. Landscape designers recommend using shrubs for a harmonious design, creating a certain balance between trees and flower beds. Weigela shrubs do such a job perfectly. Often, when choosing a landing site, she is assigned the role of a unifying link. It will emphasize or, conversely, hide individual areas of the garden, shade flower beds, large trees.
Weigela blossoms, shrub, photo:
Weigela, a representative of the honeysuckle family, has a spreading crown, its branches are abundantly covered with multiple buds and flowers, in their shape resembling bells. The flowers themselves can be white, cream, yellow, pink, bright red - depending on the variety. The inflorescences of the shrub have an interesting feature: at the very beginning of flowering, immediately after the buds open, they have a pale appearance, but over time they gain color and become more saturated.
When does the weigel bloom? From about 10-15 of May to mid-June, the branches of the plant are covered with delicate buds. However, she has another noteworthy quality - repeated flowering. The first, spring-summer is quite plentiful, the second falls at the end of summer or the beginning of September. The first phase of flowering covers last year's shoots, but the second, more moderate, goes to the branches that grew in the current year.
Weigela in landscape design, photo
Weigel shrub blooming can not be considered a very unpretentious plant. She has individual requirements for the place of landing, soil quality, top dressing. She will feel comfortable in sunny areas, surrounded by lower plants or the same shrubs. Weigela does not like drafts and too windy places, the area on the south side of your house is perfect for her. Soil prefers light and fertile, saturated with humus, stagnation of moisture is contraindicated for it. Loams and sandstones with a low or neutral pH are the optimal environment for good growth, flowering plants. Weigela shrub prefers thorough watering when it is hot summer, moisten the soil more often, since with a lack of moisture it will not give color.
This plant has long been used by Chinese and Japanese flower growers to decorate gardens. The height of cultivated cultivars varies from 60 cm to 2 m in height; in the wild, shrubs can grow up to 2.5-3 meters. This representative is ideally suited for registration of hedges, paths, group plantings (also mixed) or solitary plantings that attract attention. It can be a great addition to the Alpine hills, looks great on the slopes, is beneficial and harmoniously combined with various conifers, natural or decorative stones.
Weigela in landscape design, photo:
In other words, this plant will look appropriate everywhere. You can plant it near the gazebo or arrange the main entrance (entrance) to the territory, bring bright colors to the background of the site or make the main emphasis on the front position.
Varieties of Weigel, photo and description
This shrub has about 15 species that differ in their resistance to cold (in addition to some external characteristics).
Garden Weigela, as well as Japanese, Korean and some hybrids are thermophilic, more suitable for the southern regions. Weigela early, Middendorff, Blooming - recommended for cultivation in Central Russia.
Before landing, consider the climatic features of your land. For example, in our Kuban or Crimea this shrub will survive the winter comfortably and will not even require special shelter (enough mulch), but in cold regions it will need additional protection.
Weigela early (Weigela praecox)
An early variety, which is so called - Weigela early, gives color by early May. The bark of the bush has a gray color (a characteristic feature of the species), flowers of a soft pink hue, drooping shape. The flowering period lasts approximately 20-25 days. The bush can reach 2 meters in height, ideal for the formation of hedges.
Photo of early wiggels:
Weigel Middendorff
Weigela Middendorff (Weigela middendorffiniana) is distinguished by white or cream flowers, abundantly covering the ascending shoots. Sometimes the flowers may have a pale yellow tint with an orange center.
This variety reaches one and a half to two meters in height, gives flowers twice a season (spring, autumn). Flowering time is approximately 30 days. The shrub looks good both in single and in group compositions.
Middendorff variety, photo:
Blooming Weigela or Weigela Florida (Weigela florida)
Blooming Weigela is notable for large pink and white flowers with bright green leaves that do not change color even in late autumn. The shrub can reach three meters in height. It blooms from mid-May. The flowering phase lasts approximately 20 days. This variety is notable for the fact that it can grow and bloom in a place illuminated by the sun, as well as in partial shade. When pruning, it quickly recovers its crown.
Blooming Weigela, photo:
Weigela Nana Purpurea (Weigela florida Nana Purpurea)
Among its “relatives”, the slow-growing Weigela Nana Purpurea stands out for its miniature size. This variety is characterized by characteristic reddish-brown leaves and dark pink flowers. The bush reaches 0.8-1 m in height, very fond of sunny areas. The flowering period is approximately 20-25 days, from June to July. It is noteworthy that with proper care, the flowering phase can last until September. This is a rather frost-resistant varietal species, it will survive even the harshest winter (in the middle lane under reliable shelter). Weigela Purple Nana is an exact but reduced copy of Weigela Purple (Red).
Grade Purple Nana, photo:
Weigela Victoria
A compact bush (up to 1 m high) with decorative red-brown foliage, with a dense crown of a spherical shape and medium-sized (3.5-4 cm) flowers of red or deep pink color is Victoria's vegele. The crown of the shrub has curved branches on the sides, but inside they are direct growing. The flowering period is quite long, the active phase lasts from May to June, and can last until September. Flowers are formed on the branches of the current year, so even after a very cold winter, you can be sure that the plant will bloom. This species loves abundant watering, but does not respond well to moisture stagnation. On saline ground dies.
Variety Victoria, photo:
Weigela Bristol Rubi
Weigela Bristol Ruby has very noticeable, saturated dark red (ruby) flowers, about 4 cm long. Inside, the bells may be orange; their flowering time is May / June. The inflorescences abundantly cover the shoots - this is another advantage of the varietal Weigel Ruby Bristol. With the advent of autumn, the shrub retains bright green foliage for a long time, thanks to these bright colors granted by nature, it is classified as a highly decorative flowering plant. You can plant it anywhere - it looks equally luxurious both in single and in group plantings. The shrub can reach 2-3 m in height, is appropriate in the form of hedges, like the central figure of a flower bed or a bright background.
Variety Ruby Bristol, photo:
Weigela Red Prince (Weigela Red Prince)
Red Prince Weigela belongs to the shrubs of a compact type, its height can reach one and a half meters. He has a lush crown, saturated red bell-buds and bright green foliage, which contrasts harmoniously with the shade of flowers. This variety can also bloom twice - by the beginning of spring (May) and by the end of summer (August). Flowers are located on last year's shoots, foliage does not fall for a long time (until late autumn). Like most types of weigel, Red Prince does not tolerate drought, requires intensive watering in the hot summer. A characteristic feature of the cultivar is a large number of flowers on one branch, their density, and a long flowering phase.
Variety Red Prince, photo:
Weigela Eva Rathke
Weigela Eva Ratke is a hybrid species between the varieties of flowering and Korean. The bush itself reaches a height of two meters, the branches are quite dense, a lush crown can reach 2.5-3 m in width. The plant blooms with saturated, bright red, carmine flowers that emit a delicate aroma. Eva Ratke is characterized by abundant flowering from June to August, growing quite quickly (growth - about 30 cm per year). It does not tolerate saline soil, it feels comfortable on drained, fertile soils. Loves moisture, but not excessive waterlogging, grows quite well on loams. Prefers light areas, in the shade gives few colors.
Variety Eva Ratke, photo:
Weigela blooming Alexandra (Weigela florida Alexandra)
Weigela Alexandra is a compact shrub (1-1.5 m), which is distinguished by decorativeness, has noticeable burgundy shade leaves (they darken by autumn, turn purple), red-pink flowers are funnel-shaped. Inflorescences are located tightly to each other, bloom luxuriantly, from June to July. Flowering can last until the beginning of autumn, but at the same time it will not be so plentiful. The leaves on the shrub hold for a long time, until late autumn. In the first years of life, it is recommended that young plants be covered with protective material for the winter; adult plants do not need protection.
Grade Alexander, photo:
Weigela Nana Variegata
Weigela Variegata Nana is a multi-stemmed lush shrub with a round crown, which can reach a height and a half meters and about 2 meters wide. It differs in large buds-bells of soft lilac, pink-white, lilac color. The plant gives flowers in late spring - early June, is characterized by a long flowering phase, which can be repeated. With proper care and good conditions, Weigel Nana Variegata will delight your eyes for almost the entire summer. The foliage of this variety is also distinguished by decorativeness - rich green with a light border along the edges. The branches of the shrub lignify over time, they are directed upwards, and the side shoots have a curved shape.
View of Nana Variegat, photo:
Weigela variegated (Weigela variegata)
Weigela variegated differs from other varietal species in the color of foliage - this is clear even from the name. Its leaves have a saturated green color with a border of white or yellowish tint. Flowers are also worthy of attention - large bells of a delicate pinkish tint, often having a double (mixed) color. Like many of her fellow tribesmen, she blooms in May, continues to bloom until July, with proper care, gives repeated flowering by the end of summer and early September. He prefers loose soil, deciduous soil mixed with humus, loves light, windless areas. The older Weigel the variegated, the higher its frost resistance, even if during the winter the bush suffers from the cold, it will quickly recover and bloom with the arrival of spring or summer. Young plants require shelter for the winter.
Variety Variegated, photo:
Pink Weigela (Weigela florida Bunge)
Weigela Pink has large bell flowers of delicate pink color, which reach 4 cm in diameter. Over time, the buds gradually brighten. The bush of this variety reaches a half meter height, the crown is lush, sprawling. This species tolerates wintering best; therefore, it is recommended to plant in "cold" regions. In winter, it is enough to cover the plant with foliage or coniferous branches, so that it can comfortably endure frosts.
Weigela Pink, photo:
Weigela, planting and care in the open ground
The best time for planting this shrub is spring, namely, the period from March to April, when the earth is just beginning to warm up with sunlight, and the buds are already swelling on the trees. Sometimes in garden forums you can find references to autumn planting - this is not recommended, since in practice such seedlings die with the advent of winter colds. Separately, mention should be made of plants purchased in special containers - they can be planted throughout the summer. Weigela shrub loves windless elevated areas, while it is better to avoid those places where drafts operate (so that later the bush does not drop buds).
For comfortable growth, abundant flowering, the plant should receive enough light. The soil, as already mentioned above, should be saturated with humus, have a loose structure, slightly acidic sandstone or loam are most preferable for this culture.
Special attention should be paid to the Weigel Middendorff variety - it can grow and bloom even on weakly acid peat bogs.
For seedlings, seedlings should be selected that are not yet 3 years old. After each watering, loosening the soil is recommended. Mulching with sawdust or peat is welcome. A pit dug under a seedling should be deep enough (at least 50 cm), the bottom must be covered with a layer of gravel or river sand (about 15-20 cm).
If the bush is planted in a group, then the distance between plants should be at least three meters, for compact varieties - at least 1.5 m. The root neck of a young bush does not need to be deeply buried, a couple of centimeters will be enough. After shrinkage of the soil, it will just be at the same level with the surface of the earth. The roots should be carefully straightened. It is best to fill the pit with an earth mixture consisting of sand, turf, humus (based on 2/2/1). You can also immediately apply fertilizers - mix 100 g of nitrophoska and 1.5 buckets of compost for each seedling; treatment of the root system with stimulating drugs is allowed (Radifarm, Kornevin, Heteroauxin). When the planting process is completed, young plants need to be properly watered, the earth around them can be mulled.
How to care for Weigela, top dressing
Weigela care is subject to simple agrotechnical rules. These include regular moderate watering, if the near-trunk area of the shrub is mulled, then the time between waterings can be increased. The ground near the plants must be periodically loosened, weeds removed.
Top dressing is also relevant, but if you applied fertilizer while planting seedlings, you can safely forget about the additives for a couple of years. In the third year of life, weigel can be supported by mineral nitrogen-phosphorus agrochemicals (Ammofoska) or nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizers (Diammofoska). These drugs work to stimulate and develop new shoots, foliage.
The second stage of fertilizing - May, this is the time of formation of future flowers (budding period). Here you will come to the aid of phosphoric, as well as potassium supplements based on potassium sulfate or superphosphate - they will increase the immunity of the shrub, contribute to longer flowering.The time for the third stage of fertilizers is autumn, with seasonal digging of the soil, you can make the drug "Kemira" (the dosage is indicated on the package) or ordinary wood ash (based on 200 g / 1 m²).
Weigela care includes systematic pruning (to improve shoot growth), removal of dried or diseased branches. If the branch is partially affected, then the diseased area is cut off, and the "wound" place is smeared with garden var. For the winter, young bushes should be covered with protective material, spanbond or lutrasil are perfect for this purpose. The area of the trunk circle can be covered with mulch (spruce branches, dry foliage, sawdust). If it happened that the bush was still affected by frost, try to reanimate it with plenty of water, about 10-12 liters for each plant.
Care is also protection against diseases, pests. Leaf-eating caterpillars, thrips, aphids, spider mites do not bypass this culture. Some parasites are activated with the advent of hot days, when the first stage of flowering is already completed. Insecticides (Actellic, Thunder, Calypso) will help you here. Additionally or independently, you can use the "folk" methods of repelling pests - wormwood, pepper or garlic infusions.
Gluttonous bears or larvae of the May beetle are also not averse to tasting weigel roots. To avoid this, if a threat is detected (yellowing of the leaves, wilting is the first signal), treat the soil with Karbofos, Karate or Aktara preparations. Bordeaux fluid helps well against bacteria and fungi. For preventive procedures, you can use the systemic fungicide “Topsin” (for irrigation).
Weigel pruning after flowering
Weigela is a shrub, and any shrub, as you know, should be cut. Spring representatives (sanitary) pruning is quite enough for young representatives, in which frozen, diseased or broken branches are removed. If the crown is too thick, thinning is also relevant. Forming pruning is a kind of care for the weigel, maintaining the plant in an aesthetically attractive way. It is carried out after the end of the first flowering phase (approximately mid-June), while fresh shoots have not yet grown. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the second time the flowers are formed on the shoots of this year. Thus, if the shoots have already begun to grow, and the trimming time has been missed, then it is better not to do it at all.
In addition, adult weigel bushes need to do anti-aging pruning once every three years - this is the removal of all the "old" branches that are more than 3 years old. All other branches should be trimmed by about a third of their length. Even if you started the process too actively and removed a lot of shoots, you should not worry, because the weigel shrub is very well restored, grows new branches and generally feels great after such procedures. To summarize: spring - sanitary pruning, midsummer (after flowering) - formative. Anti-aging pruning can also be done in stages, so as not to sharply weaken the shrub.
Young shoots that stick out of the crown and spoil the picture from an aesthetic point of view can be cut to the required length.
Variegated varietal species tend to grow the so-called "wild" branches - they should be cut completely (to the base).
Weigela, reproduction in many ways
The most effective method of propagation of this ornamental shrub is cuttings, moreover, green cuttings are best used for these purposes. All other methods are ineffective from a practical point of view. The seed method is too labor-consuming, while it is not always possible to maintain the species characteristics of a single variety. Woody cuttings are too long a process that rarely ends successfully, but vegetative propagation with the help of green cuttings is the best option.
How to propagate a weigel? You need to choose the time when the process of laying the kidneys has not yet begun (this is approximately April-early May). Cuttings should have a couple of leaves, an acceptable length should be 10-15 cm, the cut should be even. The leaves can be cut in half, the cut is recommended to be treated with a drug that stimulates growth ("Kornevin", "Heteroauxin"). You can leave the cuttings in a preparation diluted with water (for about 10 hours), and then place them in a sand-peat mixture, deepening by a centimeter and a half.
Cover each seedling with a transparent plastic glass or a glass jar, such "greenhouses" should be aired every day. Watering the cuttings also needs to be done daily, in moderation, if shoots appear on the cuttings - pinch them. If you did everything right, then after about 25-35 days the weigel takes root, propagation by cuttings involves replanting the bushes to a permanent place of residence after at least a year and a half.
About the method of propagation by layering, I think, it is also worth mentioning. To do this, choose one shoot located at the very bottom of the bush. The place where it touches the ground needs to be slightly injured (cut and slightly bend the bark). Using a wire pin (or other convenient tool), you need to attach the shoot to the soil and fill it with it. With the advent of the new spring, a young seedling will be in this place.
Why is the weigel not blooming?
Sometimes on the thematic forums on the Internet you can see such a question. There are several reasons.
The first is cropping too active. As we know, the flowers of the Weigela are “tied up” on the branches that grew last year. If you radically cut out many branches, including “active” branches, then there will be nothing for the flowers to bloom on.
The second reason is the location of bushes near trees that actively absorb water (for example, birch trees). They can take moisture from plants planted nearby, and for the harmonious development and flowering of weigel, high-quality soil moisture is necessary.
If your shrubs grow in the shade of larger representatives, this may also be due to the lack of flowers. Blooming weigela needs sunlight, in the shade it will bloom poorly or not at all. Other possible causes are a lack of fertilizers or damage to the bush by diseases, pests.
Weigela Shelter for the Winter
This factor is more relevant to care, however, it is important, it is worth mentioning separately. As mentioned above, young representatives who have not reached the age of three require special attention. With the advent of winter, they must be covered.
In the Kuban weigela is not harboring for the winter. Well, if only in the first year, if the landing was carried out in the fall. It is enough to build a hut from the branches on top and pull lutrasil, spanbond or any other covering material. It is better not to use a plastic film, since the seedling can simply suffocate and in the spring you will get non-viable branches ripened from excess moisture. In recent years, winters in the Kuban have been mild, without sharp fluctuations in temperature. I think that under such conditions a mound of land at the base of the bush can serve as a shelter. This will be enough to protect the roots from freezing.
And in the middle zone of Russia, by the end of October, the weigela shrub discards foliage. By this time, it is recommended to fill up its near-trunk area with soil. You should get a small mound, about 20 cm high. The branches can be neatly tied and bent to the ground, then cover the shrub with protective material and fixed.
Additional shelter of the weigela with plastic wrap will not hurt only if winter is expected to be especially harsh. But it is laid on top of an already formed structure and always on top of a breathable covering material. This will protect the structure from condensation on the film. The ends of the film or covering sheet are reliably pressed with something heavy (bricks, stones or even metal staples) so that it is not torn off by the wind.
You can also connect the branches (not too tight) and install a wire frame specially made for this purpose. The frame can be made of plastic or metal mesh. It is covered with Lutrasil or Thermoselect, for greater reliability dry leaves or coniferous spruce are poured inside - they provide additional heat.
This procedure has certain nuances - in the insulating "cocoon" it should not be wet, because moisture is the way to activate fungi. Air access is also very important, shrubs can die without it.
Weigela shelter should be carried out in dry and cold weather, when the soil freezes slightly. Do not put protective material on wet soil - subsequently the plants will be blocked or soaked.
If everything is done correctly, the shrub will survive the winter cold, and in the new spring it will delight you with a magnificent color. In warm regions with a mild climate, you can do with hilling, mulching or sheltering shrubs with spruce branches.
An excellent solution for decorating a summer cottage or a house adjoining territory is a Weigel. The photo and description of the bush, I think, will convince you of the beauty of the plant. Landing and care in the open ground, as you see, does not imply overly complicated tricks and agrotechnical tricks. Adhere to certain requirements in relation to this highly decorative shrub, then with the advent of every spring, the blossoming result of your efforts will give joy and beauty.