Red Weigela
Red Weigela - Florida Weigela
Red Weigela is a deciduous ornamental plant known for its profusion of tubular, dark scarlet to pinkish scarlet flowers that attract pollinators and add a splash of color to garden landscapes. It is a versatile and attractive shrub commonly used in landscaping to enhance the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces. With its stunning trumpet-shaped flowers and unique foliage, this plant brings several benefits to landscaping projects.
It is one of several attractive cultivars developed after the flowers were imported to England from Japan in 1845. Scarlet is only one of the colors present in this array of cultivars, and others include pink, purple, or even orange. But the crimson version is among the prettiest, especially when combined with the finely tapered and slightly serrated leaves.
Although not broad or showy, the flowers still make a lasting impact because of the purity of their color and the fineness of their shape. The delicateness of their 2-inch length belies their incredible hardiness. They often bloom from the last frost until the first frost, dominating the space below the 12-inch line in the garden. These fantastic flowers don't just look good, either. These trumpet-shaped blooms smell like sweet citrus, filling the air with a delightful aroma that attracts human visitors to the garden and pollinators.
The Leaves Of Red Weigela
The leaves are about 4 or 5 inches long, slender, and finely tapered. They form an eye-pleasing green bed that accentuates the marvelous blooms throughout the spring and summer into fall. The petioles are short, which allows the leaves to overlap one another for a splendid layered effect. In bright sunshine, especially on dewy mornings, the light will reflect off the flowers, lending their hue to the leaves and creating a pleasing multicolored effect.
This Shrub Makes a Great Focal Point Flowering Plant
Because the plant and its flowers grow only to about a foot in height, taller plants of the same or similar colors can be planted behind them, creating the tiered look. These flowers look smashing, surrounding a focal point in a garden, such as an imposing tree. Combining them with an epiphytic plant of the same color that climbs the trunk creates a quirky and beautiful botanical palette.
Attract Pollinators
This flowering shrub attracts different species of pollinators, which is crucial for the garden's success and the environment. The leaves are also a necessary part of the life cycle of certain butterflies, which adds to the plant's beneficial environmental impact.
Bloom Cycle Duration
It blooms generally late spring to early summer and can last 4-6 weeks. It's a recurring bloomer, or, given the right conditions, it can bloom in a brief spike at the end of summer or early fall.
Where to Plant
This shrub works well in all sunny climates, with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. It is medium-hardy and can be used in its native state as a hedge plant, border plant, or spurge flower.
Best fertilizer
It does well with a slow-release fertilizer. To encourage its leaves and stamens, use it in February-March, right before spring rises.
Red Weigela can also be propagated from a softwood cutting in late spring or early summer. All it takes is to drop the cuttings in a rooting hormone, place them in a moist growing medium, and place them in a warm, moist atmosphere until they roost.