Weigela Weigela florida
Weigela (Weigela florida) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Caprifoliaceae family, native to Northern China, Korea and Japan. It grows 1.2–2.5 m (3.9–8.2 ft) tall and 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Weigela in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Weigela at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–2.5 m (3.9–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Northern China, Korea and Japan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Weigela toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Weigela
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Weigela
- How far apart should I plant Weigela?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft).
- Does Weigela need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Weigela need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Weigela?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Weigela flower?
- From about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Weigela poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
- What grows well with Weigela?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Weigela. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Blooms on last year's wood, so prune just after flowering.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Valerian Valeriana officinalis
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- Red valerian Centranthus ruber
- Common honeysuckle (woodbine) Lonicera periclymenum
- Field scabious Knautia arvensis
- Twinflower Linnaea borealis
- Ominaeshi (golden lace, Patrinia) Patrinia scabiosifolia