Variegated Weigela vs Hydrangeas
I’ve found Variegated Weigela to be a stunning choice for adding a splash of color to my garden, with its bright, variegated leaves creating a vibrant contrast to the surrounding greenery, while Hydrangeas, with their large, showy blooms, offer a more classic and enduring beauty that’s perfect for creating a lush, floral display.
10 Species in Genus Weigela
How to prune variegated weigela?
Prune variegated weigela after flowering to shape the shrub and encourage bushiness. Remove dead or damaged branches and trim back any overly long or straggly growth to maintain a compact form. Avoid heavy pruning, as it may reduce flowering in the following season.
Is variegated weigela deer resistant?
Variegated Weigela is generally considered deer resistant due to its dense foliage and the unpalatable nature of its leaves to browsing deer. However, hungry deer may still nibble on it, especially in times of food scarcity.
Is variegated weigela evergreen?
Variegated Weigela is deciduous, meaning it sheds its foliage in winter, and its leaves turn yellow or red before dropping. While it provides beautiful foliage and flowers during the growing season, it will be bare during the winter months.
When to prune variegated weigela?
Prune variegated weigela immediately after flowering in late spring or early summer. This timing allows the plant to develop new growth and set flower buds for the following year without sacrificing the current season’s blooms.
Does the variegated weigela shrub lose its foliage in winter?
Yes, variegated weigela is deciduous and will lose its foliage in winter. The leaves typically turn yellow or red before falling off, leaving the shrub bare until new growth emerges in spring.
How big do variegated weigela get?
Variegated weigela typically grows to a height and spread of 4 to 6 feet, although it can vary depending on the specific cultivar and growing conditions.
How do you propagate a variegated weigela?
Variegated weigela can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in early summer or hardwood cuttings taken in late autumn. Prepare the cuttings, dip them in rooting hormone, and plant them in a well-draining rooting medium. Keep the cuttings moist and warm until roots develop.
How to care for variegated weigela?
Here’s a guide on how to care for your variegated weigela and keep its colorful foliage and beautiful blooms thriving:
Light:
- Variegated weigelas generally prefer full sun to partial shade. This balance allows them to maintain vibrant foliage colors while still encouraging healthy flowering.
- Here’s a breakdown of light needs:
- Full sun: Encourages the most blooms and keeps variegation bright (in cooler climates). However, in very hot climates with harsh afternoon sun, some leaf scorching might occur.
- Partial shade: Good option for hot climates to prevent scorching and maintain foliage color. You might see slightly fewer blooms compared to full sun.
Watering:
- Water regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering is a major threat to weigela.
- Newly planted weigelas will need more frequent watering until established (usually after the first 2-3 weeks).
- Established plants can tolerate some drought conditions.
Soil and Drainage:
- Variegated weigelas thrive in well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy clay, amending it with compost or other organic matter can improve drainage.
Fertilizing:
- Fertilize sparingly. A balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs applied once a year in early spring is usually sufficient. Avoid overfertilizing, as it can damage the roots.
Pruning:
- Pruning is not essential but can be beneficial for maintaining size and shape, or encouraging bushier growth. Prune lightly after flowering has finished. Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to remove spent blooms, dead or diseased branches, or for shaping purposes.
Additional Tips:
- Variegated weigelas may revert to green foliage if they don’t receive enough sunlight.
- Mulch around the base of the plant (2-3 inches deep) to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Variegated weigelas are generally pest and disease resistant. However, watch out for common garden problems like aphids or scales. Insecticidal soap or neem oil solution can be used for control if needed.
- Enjoy the beautiful variegated foliage and springtime blooms of your weigela!
When do variegated weigela bloom?
Variegated weigela typically blooms in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white, depending on the cultivar.
When to plant variegated weigela?
Plant variegated weigela in spring or early fall when temperatures are mild and soil moisture is consistent. Avoid planting during extreme heat or cold, as this can stress the plant and affect its establishment.
Where to plant variegated weigela?
Plant variegated weigela in a location with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It thrives in mixed borders, as a focal point in the landscape, or as a hedge or specimen plant.
Why variegated weigela turning white?
Variegated weigela may exhibit white or light-colored patches on its leaves due to variegation, a genetic trait that causes foliage to display different colors or patterns. This is a natural characteristic of variegated cultivars and is not a cause for concern.
