Why Weigela is a Must-Have Flowering Shrub
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance shrub that delivers colorful blooms and season-long beauty, weigela should be at the top of your list. This deciduous shrub produces an explosion of tubular flowers in late spring, often reblooming later in the season. It’s an excellent choice for borders, hedges, and foundation plantings, adding a pop of color wherever it’s planted.
One of the reasons we love weigela is its versatility. Whether you want a compact variety for a small garden or a larger, arching shrub for a dramatic effect, there’s a weigela for you. Some popular options include Red Prince Weigela, which boasts deep red flowers, and Variegated Weigela, which has soft pink blooms and uniquely colored foliage.
What Does a Weigela Look Like?
Weigela shrubs are known for their graceful, arching branches and vibrant flowers. Their leaves can be solid green or variegated, adding even more interest to the landscape.
Key Features of Weigela:
- Grows 3 to 10 feet tall, depending on the variety
- Produces clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, white, and purple
- Foliage can be solid green or variegated with white or yellow edges
- Deciduous, meaning it loses leaves in the winter but comes back stronger in spring
Weigela pairs beautifully with other flowering shrubs and perennials, such as Gold Mound Spirea and Liriope Ornamental Grass for a well-rounded garden design.
Does Weigela Like Sun or Shade?
Weigela is a sun-loving shrub that thrives in full sun. While it can tolerate some shade, it will produce fewer flowers if it doesn’t get enough direct sunlight.
Ideal Light Conditions for Weigela:
- Full sun (6+ hours daily) for the best blooms and richest foliage color
- Partial shade is okay, but expect fewer flowers and slower growth
- Avoid deep shade—too little light will cause legginess and poor flowering
If you’re planning to mix weigela with other plants, it pairs well with sun-loving perennials like hydrangeas and spirea.
How to Plant and Care for Weigela
Weigela is easy to grow and requires very little maintenance once established. Follow these steps to ensure healthy growth.
Best Time to Plant:
- Spring or early fall allows roots to establish before extreme temperatures
- Avoid planting in mid-summer heat unless you can water frequently
Planting Steps:
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but just as deep
- Loosen the soil and mix in organic compost for better drainage
- Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the ground
- Fill in the hole, gently tamping down the soil to remove air pockets
- Water deeply after planting and apply mulch to retain moisture
Once established, weigela is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care beyond occasional pruning and fertilizing. If you’re looking for other low-maintenance shrubs, check out our shrubs and bushes collection.
What Months Do Weigela Bloom?
One of the best things about weigela is its long blooming season. Most varieties put on a spectacular floral display in late spring to early summer, with some reblooming later in the season.
Blooming Timeline:
- Main bloom: Late April to June, depending on climate
- Possible rebloom: Some varieties bloom again in late summer or early fall
- Flowers last several weeks, especially with proper pruning and deadheading
Want a weigela that gives bright red blooms? Check out Red Prince Weigela—it’s known for its vibrant flowers that keep coming back!
What Color Flowers Do Weigela Have?
Weigela shrubs come in a variety of colors, making them a fantastic choice for adding contrast and vibrancy to your landscape.
Common Weigela Flower Colors:
- Red – Deep, bold tones (like Red Prince Weigela)
- Pink – Soft, romantic shades, often on variegated foliage varieties
- White – Less common but provides an elegant look
- Purple – Some cultivars produce deep purple-hued blooms
No matter the color, weigela attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it a great choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. If you're looking for other flowering shrubs, check out our shop for flowering plants.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Weigela?
Like any plant, weigela has strengths and weaknesses, but overall, it’s a fantastic addition to most gardens.
Pros:
✔ Low maintenance – Once established, it requires minimal care.
✔ Attracts pollinators – Hummingbirds and butterflies love it.
✔ Drought-tolerant – Once mature, it can handle dry spells.
✔ Works in many landscapes – Great as a hedge, border, or standalone feature.
✔ Cold-hardy – Many varieties thrive in zones 4-8.
Cons:
❌ Leggy growth if not pruned – Needs occasional trimming to maintain shape.
❌ Not evergreen – Loses leaves in winter.
❌ Prefers full sun – Won’t flower well in shady areas.
❌ Deer may nibble on young plants – If you have deer in your area, you may need deterrents.
If you’re looking for other tough, easy-to-grow shrubs, check out our fast-growing plants collection.
Should I Cut Back My Weigela in the Fall?
Pruning is essential to keep weigela healthy and full of blooms, but the best time to prune depends on the season.
When to Prune Weigela:
- Right after spring flowering – The best time to trim back for shape and reblooming.
- Light fall pruning – Okay for removing dead or weak branches, but avoid heavy pruning.
- Avoid pruning in early spring – You may accidentally remove flower buds.
Tip: If your weigela is getting too large or leggy, cutting back about one-third of the branches each year will keep it looking full and healthy.
Looking for more easy-to-maintain shrubs? Check out our shrub collection here!
Are Weigela Invasive?
No, weigela is not considered invasive. Unlike some fast-spreading shrubs, it doesn’t aggressively take over landscapes or natural areas.
Why Weigela is Not Invasive:
- It grows in controlled clumps and doesn’t spread by underground runners.
- Seeds are not highly aggressive, meaning it won’t pop up unexpectedly throughout your yard.
- Pruning can easily control its size and shape.
That said, if left untrimmed, some varieties can grow quite large, so it’s a good idea to prune regularly to maintain the shape you want.
If you're looking for other fast-growing but non-invasive plants, check out our privacy screening plants collection.
How Long Do Weigela Live?
Weigela is a long-lived shrub, often thriving for 20-30 years with proper care. Some well-maintained plants can live even longer!
How to Extend the Life of Your Weigela:
- Prune regularly to encourage new growth and prevent legginess.
- Water deeply but infrequently to establish strong roots.
- Fertilize in early spring to promote healthy foliage and blooms.
- Plant in full sun to ensure maximum flower production.
Looking for another long-lasting shrub? Hydrangea Tardiva is a great companion plant that also offers years of reliable blooms.
Where to Buy Weigela Shrubs
If you're ready to add weigela to your landscape, choosing a healthy, well-grown plant is key to long-term success. We grow and ship nursery-raised weigela shrubs straight from our small family farm in Missouri, ensuring you get strong, healthy plants ready to thrive in your garden.
Why Buy Weigela From Us?
- State-licensed nursery – Our plants are grown with care and shipped fresh.
- Variety of options – From classic favorites like Red Prince Weigela to eye-catching Variegated Weigela, we’ve got something for every garden.
- Fast, direct shipping – No middlemen, just fresh plants delivered right to your door.
Browse our full selection of flowering shrubs and bushes to find the perfect fit for your yard!
So....Is Weigela the Right Shrub for You?
If you want a low-maintenance, colorful, and long-blooming shrub, weigela is an excellent choice. Whether you’re looking for a standalone accent plant, a hedge, or a companion for other perennials, this hardy shrub delivers beauty season after season.
Why Gardeners Love Weigela:
✔ Easy to grow in full sun with minimal care
✔ Attracts hummingbirds and pollinators with vibrant blooms
✔ Cold-hardy and drought-tolerant once established
✔ Pairs well with other landscape favorites like Gold Mound Spirea and Hydrangea Tardiva
Still deciding? Learn more about weigela and other must-have landscape plants in our gardening blog—we’re always sharing tips and insights to help your plants thrive!
