How to Grow Weigela florida 'Variegata' Plants in your Garden

Beautiful pink-flowered Weigela florida Variegata is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family.

Weigelas, which are native to parts of Asia, were first imported to Europe in the 1800's. They now also grow widely throughout the United States.

Weigela florida Variegata shrub
Weigela florida cultivar Variegata shrub, photograph by F. D. Richards; CC.

They do well in US zones 5-9 and are classified in hardiness group H6 in the UK; this makes them hardy down to about -20°C (-4°F).

With its pale green leaves edged in white and its mounding habit, this Weigela is one of the favorites available.

Weigela 'Florida Variegata

Weigela florida 'Variegata Abigarrado' photograph by F. D. Richards.

Weigelas are not toxic to humans or pets. Their nectar pollen-rich one to two-inch-long flowers are a magnet to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

The stems are long-lasting when cut and arranged in vases.

Weigelas look stunning when grown against other herbaceous perennials of contrasting colors of gold, blue or burgundy.

The complementary colors of dark green, pink and silver also show the variegated leaves of the weigela at their best.

Blooming Weigela florida Variegata plant
Weigela florida var. Variegata in bloom, photograph by F. D. Richards; CC.

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Variegated Weigela

These deciduous shrubs are easy to grow. They prefer moist to well-drained soil but can tolerate sandy, clay, alkaline, or acid soil.

While able to grow in dappled shade, they prefer full sun, which encourages more profuse blossoming of its pale-pink, five-lobed flowers.

Plant out weigela in May through September. Dig a hole the same depth as the root ball and 2-5 times the width and cover with soil containing 15-205 compost.

The young plants will not need any pruning.

Fully grown, Weigela florida Variegata will reach a height and width of 8 feet (2.4 m).

The removal of older weaker stems after blooming will encourage more profuse blooming the following year — from May through August. Water sparingly through dry weather.

Weigela florida Variegata flowers
Weigela florida Variegata variety flower close up, image by 阿橋 HQ; CC.

Weigela florida Variegata Growing and Care Guide

Scientific Name: Weigela florida Variegata
Common Name: Weigela 'Florida Variegata, Variegated Weigela
Growing Zone: USA: 5 to 8, UK hardy (zone H6).
Life Cycle / Plant Type: Shrub

Plant Details

Plant Height (Inches): 48 to 96
Plant Spread (Inches): 60 to 96
Time of Bloom: Mid to Late Spring
Flower Details: Pink
Leaf Foliage: Green, Silvery, Variegated, Yellow
Fruit:
Growth Form: Rounded

Ideal Growing Conditions

Best Light Conditions: Full sunlight
Rate of Growth: Medium paced
Suitable Soil Types: Acidic, Alkaline, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Slightly alkaline, Well drained
Soil Moisture: Moist

Caring Conditions

Care:
Level of Maintenance: Low
Propagation: softwood cuttings (early summer), semi-hardwood cuttings (summer), hardwood cuttings (late autumn / winter)
How to Prune: Hard renovative pruning
Pests: Not usually any serious insect problems
Diseases: No serious disease problems

Further Information

Can Attract: Hummingbirds
Tolerant of: Clay Soil
Best Garden Use: Border, Foundation Plant, Areas requiring pest toleranance, En masse, Specimen
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Closely Related Species: Honeysuckle plants.

Miscellaneous: Attractive foliage, Is not a native plant of N. America, Blooms are very showy
Genus Detail: Weigela
Further Reading and References: Here and Here

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on Weigela florida Variegata. You may also enjoy the following growing guides on growing Weigela florida Alexandra in your garden.