Gardener's HQ Weigela florida Alexandra Growing Guide

Weigela florida Alexandra are large and deciduous shrubs. They are commonly known as Weigela and belong to the Caprifoliaceae family.

These are gorgeous flowering plants originally found in North China, Korea and Japan.

Weigela florida Alexandra shrub variety, photograph by F. D. Richards; CC.

The foliage is dark brown and green colored, with hues of purple to burgendy red. The flowers are bright fuchsia purple colored, in a large funnel shape.

These shrubs are bright and eye catching. The large and colorful flowers attract hummingbirds and many varieties of bees.

Generally, these shrubs are grown in large gardens, along fences or in front of trees.

These plants grow to be very large, between 120 and 150 cm (4 to 5 feet) tall with a 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6) foot spread.

They make excellent additions to cutting gardens because of their bright colored foliage and flowers.

Weigela florida 'Alexandra" (Wine and Roses) flowers, image by F. D. Richards; CC.

How to Grow Weigela florida 'Alexandra' in your Garden

Growing Weigela florida Alexandra is fairly simple because they are an undemanding shrub.

They can readily be grown in zones 4-8, the UK Hardiness is rated as H6 (fine to -20°C / -4°F). They prefer locations that receive wet springs and warm summers.

These clump forming plants thrive in chalky, clay type, well-drained soils. They require full sun.

In the spring, these plants will be in full bloom and will re-bloom throughout the summer.

The watering needs of these plants are relatively low. Once the plant has established, it seldom needs watering.

In extreme heat or times of drought, supplemental watering may be needed but for most regions, natural rainfall will be sufficient.

This makes the plant very summer hardy as it can withstand hot or dry summers.

Weigela's grow best when they have plenty of space and sunlight to thrive.

Weigela florida 'Alexandra' WINE AND ROSES photograph by F. D. Richards.

Weigela florida Alexandra plant photograph by F. D. Richards; CC.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Weigela florida 'Alexandra'. You may also enjoy the following guides on growing the Variegata version of this species.