"Tips for Growing ""Wine And Roses"" Weigela"

The “Wine and Roses” Weigela is a very attractive deciduous shrub. Its round shape, dark burgundy leaves and spectacular burgundy and white flowers make it a favorite of landscapers and gardeners. It can reach an average height of between four to six feet tall, with a similar spread. The “Wine and Roses” Weigela grows best in hardiness zones 4-8 and produces blooms in May and June of each year.

Growing Tip #1 – Give Your “Wine and Roses” Weigela Room to Grow

While the “Wine and Roses” Weigela has a slow to moderate growth rate it will eventually spread out to be as wide as it is tall. It is recommended that you space your “Wine and Roses” Weigela at least three fee apart.

Growing Tip #2 – Use the Right Soil

This variety of Weigela needs soil that is both extremely fertile and well drained. If you are planting your “Wine and Roses” Weigela in heavy or loamy soil you need to monitor its moisture content. You need to avoid water logging these soils, as it can lead to root and step rot.

Growing Tip #3 – Full Sun is Best

While the “Wine and Roses” Weigela can be grown in both partial shade and full sun, it is best to grow your Weigela in full sun. This will encourage the plant to produce leaves and flowers with more vibrant colors, which will in turn be more effective for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

Growing Tip #4 – Prune to Shape Your Weigela

Pruning is important for managing your “Wine and Roses” Weigela. You will want to prune your Weigela in late summer. Remove old twiggy growth that sticks out from the round shape you are trying to achieve. Generally little pruning is needed during the first few years of the “Wine and Roses” Weigela’s life. However, as this shrub matures it will need more pruning and attention.

Growing Tip #5 – Transplant with Care

Like many other deciduous shrubs it is best to wait until the fall or early spring to transplant your Weigela. You need to avoid moving your shrub when it is in bloom or when it is actively supporting its leaf system. Transplanting during these times can put your Weigela into shock and could lead to growth problems or plant death.

When transplanting your “Wine and Roses” Weigela you will want to leave plenty of dirt around the root ball. Make sure your transplant hole is as deep and wide as the root ball that you dug. Backfill the hole with fertile garden soil that has a consistency that will encourage draining. Soak the tree and support it with both fertilizer and water during its establishment period. Keep weeds, pets and pests away from the freshly transplanted “Wine and Roses” Weigela so that it doesn’t have additional stress to deal with. If you have transplanted your “Wine and Roses” Weigela in late fall you can cover its base with mulch to provide it with a little extra protection during its first winter.