Weigela

New Zealand’s Best Weigela Plants

Growing colourful shrubs in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Weigela and the right one for your space. Our plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Weigela, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Weigela

1. Are Weigela fast growing?

Weigela are fast-growing shrubs that can reach 1 to 3 meters in height and 1 to 2 meters in width in just a few years. They are a popular choice for landscaping because of their rapid growth rate and beautiful flowers.

2. Where is the best place to plant Weigela?

The best place to plant weigela is in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. They prefer moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. Weigelas are not particular about their soil pH, but they will grow best in a slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Here are some specific tips for choosing a planting location for your weigela:

• Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Weigelas will flower best in full sun, but they can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates.
• Make sure the soil is well-drained. Weigelas do not tolerate wet feet, so it is important to plant them in a location where the soil drains well. If you have heavy clay soil, you may need to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
• Choose a location that is sheltered from strong winds. Weigelas are not particularly wind-tolerant, so it is best to plant them in a location that is sheltered from strong winds. This will help to protect the plant from damage.

3. Does weigela bloom on old or new growth?

Weigela blooms primarily on old growth, meaning the wood that was produced the previous year. The flower buds for the following year's blooms form on this old wood during the current growing season. These buds will then overwinter and open in the spring or early summer.

4. What is a companion for weigela?

Weigelas are versatile shrubs that can be paired with a variety of companion plants to create stunning and vibrant gardens. Here are some of the best companion plants for weigela:

Shrubs:

• Lilacs: Lilacs and weigelas both bloom in the spring, creating a beautiful display of color. Lilacs come in a range of colors, including purple, pink, and white, which complement the various shades of weigela flowers.
• Viburnums: Viburnums are another excellent choice for companion planting with weigelas. They offer a variety of textures and colors, from the delicate blooms of snowball viburnums to the vibrant berries of viburnum opulus.
• Hydrangeas: Hydrangeas and weigelas have similar growing requirements, and their blooms complement each other well. Hydrangeas come in a wide range of colors, including blue, pink, and white, which can create a stunning contrast with the vibrant shades of weigela flowers.

Perennials:

• Hostas: Hostas provide a lush contrast to the vibrant blooms of weigelas. Their diverse foliage colors, from light green to deep purple, add visual interest and depth to the garden.
• Daylilies: Daylilies offer a long bloom season, extending the colorful display of the garden beyond the flowering period of weigelas. Their trumpet-shaped flowers come in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, and red.
• Astilbes: Astilbes provide a delicate and airy contrast to the larger blooms of weigelas. Their feathery plumes of flowers come in shades of white, pink, and purple, adding a touch of elegance to the garden.

Groundcovers:

• Vinca: Vinca is a low-growing groundcover that provides a carpet of color around the base of weigelas. Its periwinkle blue flowers complement the various shades of weigela blooms, creating a harmonious blend of colors.
• Ajuga: Ajuga is another excellent choice for companion planting with weigelas. Its purple or blue flowers add a touch of contrast and interest to the garden, and its low-growing habit helps to suppress weeds.
• Coral bells: Coral bells offer a variety of foliage colors, from deep purple to bright green, providing a striking contrast to the vibrant blooms of weigelas. Their delicate flowers, which come in shades of pink, white, and red, add a touch of elegance to the garden.

5. What is wrong with my weigela?

Weigela plants are generally hardy and low-maintenance, but they can be susceptible to a few problems. Here are some of the most common problems that can affect weigela plants:

Pests:

• Spider mites: These tiny pests spin webs on the undersides of leaves and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop.
• Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck the sap from leaves, causing the leaves to curl and distort.
• Scale insects: These pests attach themselves to stems and leaves and can cause the plant to decline and die.

Diseases:

• Fungal diseases: These diseases can cause a variety of problems, such as leaf spots, wilting, and dieback.
• Bacterial diseases: These diseases can cause the plant to decline and die.
• Viral diseases: These diseases are difficult to control and can cause the plant to decline and die.

Other Problems:

• Nutritional deficiencies: If the soil is deficient in nutrients, the plant may not be able to grow properly and may exhibit symptoms such as yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or poor flowering.
• Watering problems: Weigelas need moist soil to thrive, but overwatering can also be harmful. If the soil is too wet, the roots can rot, and the plant may die.
• Environmental stress: Weigelas can be stressed by a variety of environmental factors, such as drought, heat, or cold. Stress can make the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.

6. Where does a weigela grow best?

Weigela shrubs thrive best in locations with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They prefer moist but not soggy soil conditions and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, from slightly acidic to neutral. Here's a more detailed explanation of their ideal growing conditions:

1. Sunlight: Weigelas require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to produce abundant blooms. They can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade will reduce their flowering potential.
2. Soil Drainage: Well-drained soil is crucial for weigelas to prevent root rot. Heavy clay soils may require amendments like compost or sand to improve drainage. Conversely, overwatering can also lead to root rot, so ensure the soil drains effectively but retains sufficient moisture.
3. Soil pH: Weigelas are relatively adaptable to different soil pH levels, tolerating slightly acidic to neutral conditions (pH range of 5.5 to 7.5).
4. Soil Moisture: Weigelas prefer moist soil but can tolerate occasional periods of drought once they are established. Regular watering, especially during hot, dry periods, is essential to maintain healthy growth and flowering. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other problems.
5. Shelter from Strong Winds: Weigelas are not particularly wind-tolerant, so it's best to plant them in a sheltered location to protect them from strong winds that can damage their branches and foliage.
6. Space for Growth: Consider the mature size of the weigela variety you choose when selecting a planting location. Some weigelas can grow quite large, so ensure they have enough space to spread out without crowding other plants or structures.