Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Weigela florida
Old Fashioned Weigela
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 feet tall
- Width
- 4 to 6 feet wide
- Flower color
- Pink, red, or white, depending on the cultivar
- Foliage color
- Green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Medium; prefers well-draining soil
- Maintenance
- Low; prune after flowering to shape and encourage new growth
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
About this plant
Weigela florida, commonly known as the old-fashioned weigela, is a deciduous shrub prized for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers and attractive foliage. Native to eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, and China, it is popular in gardens and landscapes due to its long-lasting blooms and ease of care. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of pink, red, or white funnel-shaped flowers at the tips of its branches, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The oval-shaped, dark green leaves often have a serrated edge, adding texture to its appearance.
Well-suited for borders, hedges, and mass plantings, Weigela florida thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil. It is relatively low-maintenance and resistant to pests and diseases, making it a reliable and beautiful addition to gardens.
Companion plants
Aster · Firethorn · Sneezeweed · Blue grama grass · Hebe · Manzanita
Design tip
Create a generous sweep of Old Fashioned Weigela rather than scattering individual shrubs through a border. Repeating its rounded form builds continuity, while the abundance of pink spring flowers becomes more impactful as a broad band of color within a larger planting.
