Variegated Weigela (Weigela florida 'Variegata') Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 1st Feb 2024
- Plant Characteristics: Known for its variegated leaves edged in creamy white, complemented by pink trumpet-shaped flowers in late spring. A medium-sized, deciduous shrub that adds visual interest with its foliage and blooms.
- Growing & Care: Prefers full sun to light shade for the best variegation and well-drained soil. Tolerant of a variety of soil conditions but benefits from regular watering and feeding.
- Tips for New Gardeners: An excellent choice for adding color and texture to borders and garden beds. Easy to grow and maintain. Prune lightly after flowering to promote healthy growth and shape.
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 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 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.
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 variety flower close up, image by 阿橋 HQ; CC.
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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 is required.
- 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 tolerance, En masse, Specimen.
- Family: Caprifoliaceae.
- Closely Related Species: Honeysuckle plants.
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.
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