What is Old-Fashioned Weigela?
Old-fashioned weigela (Weigela florida) is a deciduous, flowering shrub that blooms in spring, typically in April. New cultivars repeat bloom in summer and fall.
The flowers are tubular and range in color from red to deep pink, light pink, and white. There are also cultivars that have yellow or peach flowers. Weigela is available in different foliage colors, too, including variegated, purple, standard green, and yellow.
Weigela, like Sonic Bloom® Pink weigela (Weigela florida ‘Bokrasopin’), have tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Barbara H. Smith, © 2026 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Weigela is in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). It is named in honor of the German botanist, Christian Weigel and was introduced to gardeners in the mid-1800s
How Do You Pronounce Weigela?
It is pronounced “why-GEE-la” with the emphasis on the “gee.”
Weigela Plant Size and Growth Habit
Cultivars are available in these sizes:
- Dwarf (under 2 feet tall)
- Medium (2 to 4 feet tall)
- Large (over 4 ft tall) sizes
The species grows large, 8 to 10 feet tall and up to 12 feet wide.
The branches of variegated weigela (Weigela florida ‘Variegata’) grow upright, then arch with age.
Ginger E. Long, © 2026 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Where Is Weigela Native?
Weigela is native to Asia, including Japan, Korea, and northern China.
How to Grow Weigela Successfully
USDA Hardiness Zones for Weigela
- Weigela can be planted in USDA planting zones 4 through 8b. This includes the majority of South Carolina.
Sunlight Requirements for Weigela
- Weigela can be planted in part to full sun (6 hours or more of direct sun).
Best Soil for Weigela
- Plant in well-drained soil.
- Weigela can be planted in clay, loam, or sandy soils.
Watering Tips for Weigela
- Water regularly until plants are established.
- Once established, water during drought conditions.
Fertilizing Weigela
- Use slow-release fertilizer for shrubs when needed.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Prune immediately after flowering
- Weigela blooms on old wood, so late pruning reduces next year’s flowers.
How to Propagate Weigela
- In summer, take softwood cuttings.
- For more information on propagation techniques, see Making More: Propagation by Cuttings.
Common Weigela Pests
- Flea beetles
- Mealybugs.
For more information on insect control, see HGIC 2770, Less Toxic Insecticides.
Is Weigela Deer Resistant?
- Weigela IS deer resistant.
Popular Weigela Cultivars
There are over 150 cultivars of weigela. Some of those most readily available today include:
Dwarf Weigela Varieties
- My Monet® (Weigela florida ‘Verweig’) is1.5 feet tall x 2 feet width with light pink flowers. The variegated foliage is green and white with a tinge of pink in full sun.
- Bloomin Easy Electric Love® (Weigela x ‘ZR1‘ USPP30065) is 1.5 feet tall x 2 feet wide with red flowers and deep purple foliage.
- Snippet® Dark Pink (Weigela florida ‘VUKOZLyra’ PP#30,265) is 1.5 feet tall x 2 feet wide with dark pink flowers and bright green foliage.
Medium Weigela Varieties
- Spilled Wine (Weigela florida ‘Bokraspiwi’ USPP 23,781) is 2 to 3 feet tall x 3 to 4 feet wide with bright pink flowers and deep purple foliage.
- Czechmark Trilogy® (Weigela florida ‘VUKOZGemini’) is 3 feet tall x 3.5 feet wide. The flowers change from white to pink to red with maturity, and the foliage is bright green.
Large Weigela Varieties
- Sonic Bloom® (Weigela florida ‘Verweig 6’) is 4 feet tall x 4 to 5 feet wide with bright red flowers that bloom in spring and repeat bloom in late summer or early fall. There are more Sonic Bloom® cultivars available in additional flower colors, including pink, wine, and white.
Sonic Bloom® Wine weigela (Weigela florida ‘SMNWFG’) has burgundy-tinted foliage and bright pink blooms.
Barbara H. Smith, © 2026 HGIC, Clemson Extension
- Wine and Roses® (Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’) is 5 feet tall x 5 feet wide with dark purple foliage. The rosy pink flowers bloom in spring and sporadically throughout the summer.
- Variegated (Weigela florida ‘Variegata’) is 5 feet tall x 5 to 6 feet wide with variegated green foliage with yellow margins. In spring, it has flowers that change color from white to pink.
The variegated foliage of Weigela florida ‘Variegata’ adds interest to a flower bed when the shrub is not in bloom.
Ginger E. Long, © 2026 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Where to Buy Weigela
Check with local nurseries or garden centers to see which cultivars they offer. Many can be purchased online through mail-order nurseries.
Additional Weigela Resources
For more information on pruning shrubs, see HGIC 1053, Pruning Shrubs.
For more information on planting shrubs, see HGIC 1052, Planting Shrubs Correctly.
Resources
- NC Extension Gardner Plant Toolbox – Weigela florida
- Virginia Cooperative Extension – Old Fashion Weigela
- Dirr, M. A. 2009. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. 6th ed. Stipes Pub., Champaign, IL.
