Weigela description of the variety, planting and care. Weigela - gardening guide to growing shrubs

Early Bouquet Rose

Weigela, thanks to its decorative qualities, will become an absolute decoration of any garden. Unfortunately, it is not often found in suburban areas, but is gradually gaining more and more love among gardeners.

This is a winter-hardy deciduous shrub belonging to the honeysuckle family. In nature there are 15 various types this plant. Three of them have taken root in Russia: early, Middendorf and blooming.

Flowering months of the plant– from May to June and from August to September. At this time, the bush is covered with numerous lush inflorescences of soft pink, cream, boiling white, pleasant yellow and other pastel colors. By the middle of flowering, the color becomes more saturated and bright.

Types and varieties of weigela in Russia

Middendorff

• Weigela early grows in the Far East, preferring rocky or forest soil. The shrub rises from 1.5 to 2 meters in height, has a spherical crown, bright pink inflorescences with a yellow tint in the throat, consisting of 2-4 flowers collected on one peduncle.
• Middendorff reaches a height of 1-1.5 meters and has ascending shoots with bright green leaves. The inflorescences, collected from 3-6 flowers on a common peduncle, are yellowish in color with orange dots.
• Blooming- This tall bush arnica, which grows up to 3 meters, and the diameter of its crown is 3.5 meters. Large tubular flowers, pale pink and white, are collected in inflorescences. The following varieties belong to this type:
• "Purpurea" It has brown-red leaves and dark pink flowers with a yellowish center. The height of the shrub is 1-1.5 m, the crown reaches 2 meters in diameter. On winter time this variety requires shelter.
• "Alba"- a 3-meter tall shrub with white and pink inflorescences.
• "Variegata" – frost-resistant variety With small leaves, 2-2.5 m high. The flowers of the shrub are large, 3.5 cm in diameter, they are collected in juicy pink clusters.
• "Nana Variegata"- This dwarf variety with white-pink or juicy pink flowers, good for alpine slides, as it prefers rocky soil.
• "Costeriana variegata"- low shrub with yellowish edged leaves.
• "Siebold Argenteo Marginata"– a medium-height variety with dark green leaves edged with white, blooms with pink flowers. When grown in the middle zone, the shrub requires winter shelter, as it is not winter-hardy.

Variegata

Hybrid varieties of weigela also grow in Russia, which have a height of 1 to 3.5 meters and a variety of colors of inflorescences. These include: “Bristol Ruby”, “Gustav Malle”, “Debusse”, “Eva Rathke”, “Fieri Lemoine”, “Rosea”, etc.

• Best months to plant weigels, of course, are spring flowers, since there is active sap flow, which gives the plant the strength for good rooting. It is also possible to plant shrubs in the fall; in this case, even winter-hardy varieties require insulation during cold weather.
• Beneficial features weigels lie in its decorative qualities. Its varieties are used in different ways - these can be single and group plantings, borders and hedges. Throughout the summer, the shrub will be a true decoration of the garden, and during flowering it will simply become its pearl.

Weigela propagation

Propagated by seeds and cuttings.

Seeds

Alba

It must be remembered that seeds can only be stored for one year in a cool place, for example, in the refrigerator. In subsequent years, they lose their germination capacity and become unsuitable for reproduction.

• In spring, seeds are sown in flowerpots or boxes in nutritious soil consisting of garden soil, sand and peat. In order for the seeds to sprout happily, they create greenhouse conditions, covering the flowerpots with glass or film.
• When the second pair of leaves appears on the shoots, they are planted in a separate container.
• An annual seedling has one stem with 3-4 pairs of leaves, it grows to a height of 6-9 cm.
• Next spring, flowerpots with seedlings must be taken out open air and place in partial shade for hardening. In the second year, weigela grows to 45-60 cm, and it can be planted in open ground.
• Flowering of a shrub grown from seeds will occur only in the fourth year after sowing.

This method of propagation is good for breeders when developing new varieties. Under normal conditions, it is better to use other methods.

Cuttings

Planting shrubs

If you want to grow a healthy, beautiful bush, you take into account many factors for its comfort. You need to choose a favorable place for planting, provide suitable soil and care.

Selecting a location

For weigela, a place in partial shade or sun is well suited. It is better to choose a windless area of ​​the territory so that the wind cannot damage the inflorescences.

You need to plant the seedlings at a distance of 1.5-2 meters from each other, taking into account the further growth of the bush, for this you need to provide a sufficiently large plot of land.

Soil preparation

Loose, fertile soil is suitable for weigela. Therefore, it is best to prepare it yourself from sheet and turf land and humus, in proportions 2:1:2.

The hole is dug in advance, it should be 50 x 50 x 40 cm in size. It is supplied with drainage from broken brick, graphite or expanded clay, its layer is at least 10-15 cm. Next, nutritious soil is laid in it and a depression is made in the middle which is filled with water.

Planting and transplanting

• Now you can plant weigela seedlings in the prepared hole or transplant mature plant. In any case, the root is installed in such a way that the root collar remains level with the ground surface.
• When replanting a shrub, you need to dig it up very carefully so as not to damage the roots. Then they are cleaned and examined; there should be no pathological changes or deposits on them. If they are present, it makes no sense to transplant; in this case, it is worth growing a seedling from a cutting.
• After planting, the plant is watered and mulched with peat or sawdust.

Care

To grow a shrub successfully, you need to take care of it. Only by creating comfortable conditions for the plant can you grow a gorgeous bush that will delight the owners and guests of the site throughout the summer.

Watering

You need to start watering weigela in early spring. At least 8-10 liters of water are poured under each bush. This is especially important to do if the winter has had little snow.

If the summer is hot and dry, the shrub needs to be watered every other day, especially if it is planted in a sunny, open area.

Mulching

Mulching is carried out immediately after planting, it is carried out with sawdust, peat or dry leaves. This layer will help retain moisture and facilitate oxygen access to the roots of the plant. During the summer period, this process is carried out 2-3 times.

Care after flowering

When the bush has faded, it is necessary to remove all the inflorescences from it, so that next year it will again please with lush flowering. This period is best time trimming the entire bush. For greater bushiness, you need to shorten all young shoots of the plant by half.

Bloom

If weigela does not bloom on time, it means that everyone is not created for it. the necessary conditions. The problem may be due to insufficiently nutritious soil or an incorrectly chosen planting site.

You can try to correct the situation by using special fertilizers, which large assortment presented in flower shops, and also choose another place in the garden for the shrub.

Treatment of diseases and protection from pests

So that not a single row of leaves on the plant turns yellow, and aphids, which are the main pest for weigela, do not appear, it is necessary to periodically carry out disease prevention. It consists of treating the bush with the following solutions:

• laundry soap solution + 0.4% nicotine sulfate;
• anabazine sulfate 0.2% solution;
• trichlormegaphos 0.2% solution;
• chlorophos 0.3%;
• infusions of hot pepper, makhorka, garlic or onion.

Weigela is a flowering deciduous shrub, but, unlike other similar species that bloom only once per season, weigela will delight you with lush fragrant buds in spring and late summer.

To decorate your garden with this unusual shrub, you need to know how to grow it correctly and what care the plant may require. These issues are discussed in detail in this article.

Weigela shrub - description

Weigela is a deciduous shrub. Asia is considered the birthplace of the culture, and although there are about 15 plant species in nature, only seven of them are grown in gardens. In addition to its high decorative value, the shrub is distinguished by its abundant and long-lasting flowering, undemanding care and growing conditions (Figure 1).

Figure 1. External features of weigela

Weigel is classified as moisture-loving shade-tolerant plants. The buds can be either single or collected in small inflorescences. The petals can have a wide variety of colors, from cream and yellow to dark red, and young blooming buds are usually lighter, but as they age they darken. After flowering is complete, fruit boxes with seeds form in place of the withered buds.

Types and varieties

IN natural conditions weigela grows in warm tropical climates, but thanks to the efforts of breeders, winter-hardy varieties have been developed that are suitable for cultivation in temperate and harsh climates (Figure 2).

Popular types of weigela include:

1. Early (pleasant) V natural conditions found in the Far East, and mature shrubs can reach two meters in height. Bright pink buds are collected in small inflorescences. The flowering period begins at the end of May and lasts about a month.
2. Blooming weigela (Florida) can reach three meters in height. The inflorescences are grouped in groups of 3-4 and bloom at the end of May, with a flowering period of no more than three weeks. This species includes varieties Alba (a dwarf shrub with white flowers), Victoria (a short shrub with purple flowers and brownish leaves), as well as a purple variety, the representatives of which are distinguished by a lush crown and rich pink buds.
3. Spreading weigela rarely exceeds one and a half meters in height, but is distinguished by a wide variety of varieties. For example, Bristol Ruby is distinguished by bright pink inflorescences and rich green leaves, and Red Prince is a compact hybrid with bright red flowers, which are favorably set off by green foliage.

Figure 2. Main varieties of the crop: 1 - early (pleasant), 2 - flowering (Florida), 3 - spreading

Separately, weigela Middendorf is distinguished - a one and a half meter shrub with large yellow flowers. Exactly this type The crop is distinguished by flowering twice per season.

As for others garden crops, for weigela there are certain rules for planting in open ground. Compliance with these recommendations will determine how quickly the shrub takes root in a new place and begins to bloom.

The main focus should be on planting time. Below we will look at the main recommendations that should be taken into account when planting a plant in open ground (Figure 3).

When to plant

The best time to plant is considered early spring, when the soil has already thawed and warmed up slightly, but the buds on the trees and shrubs have not yet begun to bloom.

Note: It is not recommended to plant shrubs in autumn, as there is a high risk of its death during the winter.

It is best to choose a location on the south side of the site, as strong winds and drafts can cause the buds to fall off prematurely. In addition, it is desirable that the area is well illuminated by the sun: only in this case the buds will acquire a bright, rich color. The soil must be sufficiently loose and fertile, so areas with poor soils must be additionally fertilized.

How to plant

Shrubs are planted in a previously prepared area. It must be cleared of weeds, and, if necessary, mineral and organic fertilizers should be added to the soil.

Figure 3. Features of planting shrubs in open ground

The depth of the planting holes depends on the fertility of the soil. If the soil is rich in humus, holes 30-40 cm deep will be sufficient. For poor soils, the holes are made deeper so that not only a layer of drainage, but also fertile soil can be laid on their bottom.

Note: During the planting process, an additional 100 grams of nitrophoska and one and a half buckets of compost are added to each hole. In addition, it is advisable to treat the roots of seedlings with growth stimulants so that the seedlings quickly take root in a new place.

Planting holes are spaced from each other at a distance of 80-150 cm (depending on the size of the variety). The seedling is placed vertically in the hole, the roots are carefully straightened and sprinkled with earth so that there are no voids between them. In this case, it is desirable that after the soil settles, the root collar is flush with the ground level, or is buried 1-2 cm. After all these measures, the bed is watered and mulched with organic materials.

Weigela care

Caring for shrubs is quite simple, especially if you have chosen the right place and time for planting. However, it should be borne in mind that despite all the unpretentiousness of the culture, at certain times of the year it requires proper care.

Let's take a closer look at the features seasonal work with weigela bush in more detail.

in spring

If this shrub is already growing on your site, it is necessary to inspect it and sanitary pruning in the spring. Before the plant awakens, you need to remove all dry and damaged branches.

It is also necessary to remove the layer of old mulch, water the soil and cover it with a fresh layer of mulching material. This condition applies to both mature shrubs and newly planted seedlings.

In addition to pruning and mulching, in early spring they fertilize with nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate the growth of young shoots and leaves, and make the crown of the bush more lush.

Summer care

Summer crop care is even easier than spring. You need to water the bush only as needed, namely in severe drought. In beds with a young plant, you need to regularly remove weeds and carry out superficial loosening of the soil.

Also in summer, the plant needs fertilizing with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers, which are applied to the ground in dry form, after which abundant watering is carried out. Otherwise, shrubs do not require special attention from the gardener in the summer.

Features of care in autumn

In autumn, when the flowering period ends, the shrub begins to prepare for winter. In order for the crop to survive the cold season well, certain measures need to be taken. Firstly, young, recently planted plants need to be wrapped in thick paper or any other covering material for protection from frost for the winter.

Secondly, it is imperative to mulch the tree trunk circles so that the plants do not lose moisture and nutrients during the winter.

In addition, in the fall, the soil is dug up while wood ash is added to the soil (200 grams per square meter of bed). This will give the plants the nutrients they need in winter and ensure abundant and consistent flowering next year.

Weigela flowering

The main difference between weigela and other ornamental shrubs is that it blooms twice a year. The first time the buds bloom in the spring on last year's shoots, and the second time on the new growth of the current year at the end of August and beginning of September (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Features of flowering culture

During the flowering period, it is advisable to provide the shrub with additional nutrition by adding potassium-phosphorus fertilizers to the soil. This will help the crop bloom more luxuriantly and abundantly.

Reproduction

Weigela can be propagated in many ways. But growing from seeds is rarely practiced, since planting material It remains viable only for several years, and growing an adult shrub takes too long.

Note: Another disadvantage of growing from seeds is the fact that young seedlings do not always retain the characteristics of the variety.

That is why when propagating shrubs, preference is given to the vegetative method: cuttings, root shoots or layering (Figure 5). When using the cutting method, you can take cuttings from both green shoots of the current year and semi-lignified branches from last year. The lower part of the cutting is freed from leaves and treated with a solution of a root-forming preparation. After this, the cuttings are planted in light, moist soil (a mixture of peat and sand). Each seedling is covered with a jar or plastic bottle on top. Subsequently, the shelter is removed daily for watering and ventilation. As young shoots form, pinching is done to make the plant more lush.

Figure 5. Stages of propagation by cuttings and layering

When using the propagation method by layering, you need to select a branch located close to the ground, slightly damage its bark and sprinkle it with a layer of soil. The very next year you will have a full-fledged plant that can be separated from the mother bush. However, it should be borne in mind that, regardless of the chosen method of propagation, transplant young plants to permanent place possible only after three years.

Trimming

Like other ornamental shrubs, weigela needs pruning. For young plants, it is enough to carry out sanitary cleaning by removing old, dry or frozen shoots in the spring. This stimulates tillering and will help maintain the health of the crop (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Features of pruning shrubs

Mature shrubs need to be shaped, and pruning is carried out in the summer, after the completion of the first wave of flowering. It should be borne in mind that the procedure must be completed before the start of a new flowering period, which occurs on the shoots of the current year. If you did not have time to remove excess branches, it is better to postpone the procedure until next year.

Once every four years, anti-aging pruning is also carried out, during which all branches older than three years of age are removed, and the rest are shortened by a third. If the flowering of the weigela has become insignificant or has stopped altogether, you can completely cut off all the branches. The crop will quickly recover after this procedure and resume flowering.

Weigela after flowering

As mentioned above, the shrub blooms twice per season: in spring and at the end of summer. After this period is over, seed pods form in place of the wilted buds. At this time, you can collect planting material for further propagation and begin preparing the bush for winter.

How and when to collect seeds

The seeds of the bush begin to form in September, but they can be collected no earlier than November. A distinctive sign of seed readiness is cracking of the capsule.

To prevent self-sowing of seeds, most of the capsules can be removed before ripening, and the rest can be wrapped in gauze, securing it to the branch. When the seeds are ripe, the boxes are simply cut off, opened, the seeds are poured onto paper and lightly dried.

Such seeds can be stored for no longer than two years, since in the future they lose their ability to germinate.

Weigela in winter

In order for a crop to survive the winter well, it must be properly prepared for the cold season. For this purpose in November, when it falls most of leaves, the trunk circle is sprinkled with earth, forming a low mound.

The branches of the plant are bent to the ground and covered with covering material, for example, roofing felt. The covering must be securely fastened so that it is not accidentally torn off by the wind. Other designs will also help protect weigela. The branches are simply tied with a rope, a wire frame is installed around the bush, dry leaves are poured inside, and the plant is covered with covering material on top.

Pests and diseases

During the flowering period, weigela can be damaged by caterpillars, aphids or spider mites, but they spread mainly in extreme heat. To combat these pests, insecticide solutions are used, which are sprayed on the shrub itself and the soil around it.

Among the diseases, weigela is sensitive to spotting, gray rot and rust. It is difficult to treat these diseases, so for prevention they are treated with Bordeaux mixture or copper sulfate before flowering begins.

You will find more information about the weigela shrub and the features of its cultivation in the video.

Weigela - abundantly and brightly flowering shrubs. It is named after the German scientist K.E. Weigel. The plant belongs to the Honeysuckle family. Its homeland is the island of Java, east and southeast Asia. Weigela can be found on moist soils in light forests and sunny lawns. Due to its beauty and unpretentious nature, it is used to decorate parks, gardens and personal plots. With little species diversity, the number decorative varieties The most unusual palette is very large.

Botanical characteristics

Weigela is a deciduous shrub with erect woody stems. It is nourished by a branched rhizome without horizontal processes (stolons), so the shrub does not invade the adjacent territory and remains compact. The stems are covered with brown, cracking bark. They branch more from the base. Simple petiolate leaves grow oppositely. They have oval shape with serrated sides and a pointed edge.

Weigela blooms twice a year: at the end of May and in August. Flowering lasts about a month. Buds form on young green and woody branches from last year. Individual flowers or small dense clusters of 2-6 buds appear in the leaf axils. Their pedicels are very short or absent altogether.

whisk correct form consists of five ovoid petals with a pointed edge. They are colored in shades of white, yellow, pink, dark red or purple. Often, over time, the color becomes lighter or more saturated. At the base the petals form a wide tube. Five stamens with linear anthers and a small ovary column with a capitate stigma emerge from it. The length of the open flower reaches 5 cm.

After pollination, small bivalve capsules with hard, woody edges are formed. They are ovoid or oval in shape with a narrowed nose. Inside there are many small angular seeds, sometimes winged.

Types and varieties of weigela

In total, the genus Weigela includes 15 species. Of these, about 7 are used in culture. But varietal diversity knows no boundaries and is constantly updated with new samples.

A slender deciduous shrub grows 1-1.5 m in height. It has good resistance to frost and actively grows and blooms even in the shade. The plant has ascending shoots. The bright green leaves are pubescent along the veins. In May and September, flowers with a diameter of 3-4 cm bloom. They are collected at the ends of young shoots in dense clusters of 2-6 buds and delight with their beauty for 25-30 days. The bright yellow corollas are covered with orange spots and specks.

A large shrub (up to 3 m in height) is covered with ovoid dark green leaves with short petioles. The foliage has finely serrated edges and sparse piles along the central vein. Bright pink bell-shaped flowers are collected in loose inflorescences of 3-4 buds. They appear in May and last up to 20 days. Varieties:

• Weigela red - a dense bush up to 1.5 m in height grows dark brown-red leaves, and by mid-June blooms flowers with deep pink petals and a yellow center;
• Nana purpurea is a dwarf copy of the previous variety;
• Weigela rosea - a spreading bush blooms small flowers. On the outside, the petals are painted pink-carmine, but on the inside they are light, almost white;
• Variegata - frost-resistant, graceful variety 2-2.5 m high, blooms with small (up to 3.5 cm) bright pink flowers;
• Minor black is a dwarf, slow-growing shrub with dark green, reddish leaves covered with dark pink flowers 25 mm in diameter throughout the summer;
• Alexandra is a spherical shrub with a diameter of 1-1.5 m, covered with medium-sized burgundy or dark purple oval foliage; in the first half of summer it blooms red-pink bells up to 4 cm in diameter.

A bush with a dense crown grows up to 150 cm in height. Beautiful tubular flowers with a delicate aroma bloom on it. The color is dominated by white, pink, lilac, and purple tones. Varieties:

• Bristol Ruby - with a height of 2.5 m, the diameter of the bush reaches 3.5 m. Bright green leaves grow on the branches, and tubular flowers appear by the end of June. The pink petals have a ruby ​​edge and an orange spot at the base.
• Red Prince - a spreading bush up to 1.5 m high consists of drooping shoots with green leaves. Its flowers are bright red and large.
• Eva Rathke - a compact bush 50-60 cm high in June-August is covered with glossy tubular flowers of carmine-red color.
• Nana variegata is a compact weigela with crimson or white-pink flowers, collected in clusters of 3-4 buds.
• Cardinal is a large plant with abundant snow-white blooms.
• Weigela red-leaved - shiny olive leaves have a reddish spot in the center.
• Carnival - a bush 50-70 cm high with bright green oval leaves blooms tubular purple-red flowers in June-July.

Reproduction methods

To propagate weigela, they use seeds or cuttings. For sowing, you should take seeds up to 1 year old. This method is suitable for propagating species plants, since varietal characteristics are easily separated. Sowing can be done directly in open ground in the fall or in early spring in pots with loose, fertile soil. When friendly shoots with two leaves appear, they are picked and thinned out. After a year, the plants will grow 6-7 cm in height and have 6-8 leaves. It is important to ensure that the plantings are not too dense, otherwise the rhizomes will become tangled. From the second year, weigela can be planted in open ground. Young plants are protected from winter frosts most important. At the age of two, the seedling will grow to 40-50 cm in height, and it will begin to bloom at the age of 4.

For propagation of weigela by cuttings, green semi-lignified shoots are used. They are cut in the summer. Each branch must have 2 nodes. After cutting, the leaves are removed or shortened by 30-50%. For 1-2 hours the cuttings are placed in normal warm water, and then treated with a root-forming compound (heteroauxin) for 12 hours. At this stage, they are kept in a dark place with a temperature of +20...+25°C. Then the cuttings are planted in sandy-peaty soil. The soil is sprinkled with a layer of river sand on top and the plantings are covered with film to greenhouse effect. Watering is carried out twice a day. Usually all planting material takes root.

To plant woody cuttings, they are cut in April, before the buds open. The length of the branches is 15-20 cm. After treatment with Kornevin, the cuttings are planted in pots with sand and turf soil. They are covered with film. Rooting takes place within a few weeks, but with less efficiency. A month later, the sprouts are pinched, and later fertilized with organic or mineral composition(mullein, superphosphate, ammonium nitrate). Grown plants are planted in the garden.

Landing and location

Weigele choose a well-lit, closed place. Due to drafts and cold gusts of wind, the buds fall off without blooming. The soil should be loose, fertile and sufficiently moist. These can be loams and sandy loams with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction. Only Weigela Middendorf adapts well to slightly acidic peat soils.

It is better to select plants over 3 years old for the garden. Planting is carried out in early spring, before buds open. When planted in the fall, weigela sometimes does not have time to adapt and dies in the frosty winter. For planting, prepare holes 30-40 cm deep. A drainage layer of gravel or shards is laid on the bottom. The free space is filled with soil with the addition of compost and nitrophoska (up to 100 g per bush).

In group plantings, the distance depends on the height of the particular variety. It ranges from 80 cm to 1.5-2 m. The rhizome is carefully laid out and compacted. The root collar should be on the surface or buried 1-2 cm. Upon completion of planting work, carry out abundant watering and mulch the soil surface.

Features of care

Weigela is unpretentious, caring for her will not be too burdensome. Water the plants only when there is a long absence of precipitation and on very hot days. Periodically you should weed the area and remove weeds. This must be done with caution, since the root system is located close to the surface.

After transplantation with fertilizing, weigela is not fertilized for two years. Then in the spring a portion is added mineral fertilizer(ammophoska, diammofoska). At the beginning of summer, during the budding period, the bushes are watered with a solution of potassium sulfate or superphosphate. During autumn digging, wood ash (200 g/m²) or Kemira is added to the tree trunk circle.

To maintain its attractiveness, weigela requires regular pruning. In the spring, sanitary cleaning is carried out. Remove broken and frozen branches. In summer, the crown is thinned out and shaped. At summer pruning Only part of the branches are removed, because re-blooming occurs due to young growth. Once every 3-4 years the bushes need to be rejuvenated. To do this, up to 30% of the branches are removed. They are cut down to the ground. Sometimes they practice complete cutting of the bush. There is no need to worry about crown renewal; weigela tolerates any type of haircut perfectly.

In autumn, weigela is prepared for wintering. After leaf fall, the trunk circle is sprinkled with earth and mulched. The crown of heat-loving plants is tied with twine and covered with non-woven material or roofing felt. The structure is fixed and covered with fallen leaves on top. In winter, it is recommended to trample down the snow near the roots so that rodents do not damage the shoots.

Weigela is usually resistant to plant diseases. If the place chosen for it is too shady and damp, gray rot, rust or spotting may develop. Topsin or Bordeaux mixture(a mixture of lime and copper sulfate). Preventive treatment is carried out before buds open.

Use in the garden

Weigela bushes are used in group and single plantings in open areas of the lawn, along the border, at the entrance to the garden or near the house. They are also used for zoning, designing alpine slides or an exquisite garden in Japanese style. Weigela can be combined with other shrubs, such as barberry, cotoneaster, spirea, and cypress.

Weigela ( Weigela) – spring-flowering shrubs from 1 to 3 m tall. Weigels bloom best in a sunny place, but can also tolerate partial shade. Among other characteristics of weigela is the low frost resistance of plants, requiring planting in protected places, which is compensated by high decorativeness and a variety of species and varieties.

Weigela shrubs are demanding on soil moisture and fertility. They are propagated by summer and winter cuttings. Species can also be propagated by seeds.

In gardens, the forms and varieties most often grown are grouped into the group of hybrid weigels:

Hybrid weigela (W. hybrida)

Hybrid weigela ‘ Gustave Mallet’

Hybrid weigela ‘ Styriaca’

Hybrid weigela ‘ Eva Rathke’

Decorate the area and have fun unpretentious species with pink flowers - blooming weigela:

Blooming weigela ( W. florida)

Early blooming weigela ( W. praecox)

Blooming Middendorff's weigela (W. middendorffiana) with yellow flowers.

Weigels look great in garden design, as lining to tall trees.

If you have a large area, use this technique, because in such conditions ornamental shrubs weigela the best way protected from frost and cold wind.

Ornamental weigela shrub: photo and description

This plant was named after the very famous German pharmacologist, botanist and chemist Christian von Weigel. The shrub, which is naturally distributed in the eastern and southeastern parts of Asia, in the Far East and on the island of Java, has taken root well in our area. Weigela belongs to the Honeysuckle family and has fifteen species. However, only seven varieties are most often grown by humans. There are also a dozen decorative varieties flowering bush weigela, which are very popular for landscape decoration due to the beauty of their flowers and ease of care.

You can see the weigela shrub in the photo, the description of which should begin with the fact that this plant loves moisture and patiently tolerates poorly lit areas:

Weigela is distinguished by the presence of flowers in the shape of bells or funnels, which can grow up to 5 cm. The flowers are located on the branches singly or collected in loose inflorescences of various shades - cream, pale pink, bright red or yellow. The color of the buds can vary from the lightest tones to the most saturated. It is characteristic that when proper care Behind the weigela shrub, after its flowering, fruits are sure to appear, distinguished by small seeds.

For true gardeners, the plant is considered a real find, because it blooms twice: the first time - from mid-May to almost the end of June, giving a lush color, and the second time - from the end of summer to the end of September, although not so lush.

Please note that in September the seeds ripen, which will be useful for further propagation of weigela. Just don’t rush to collect them: this should be done no earlier than November, when the boxes begin to crack. Experts advise that to prevent the seeds from falling into the soil ahead of time, several seeds should be wrapped in ordinary gauze and secured to the branches. When the time comes, you just need to carefully cut off the box wrapped in gauze, bring it into the house and thoroughly dry its contents. Until spring, seeds should be stored in a dark, dry place. Just remember that growing weigela from seeds does not guarantee that the future plant will inherit the varietal qualities of its parents.

How to plant weigela in spring

Planting weigela shrubs is considered most favorable and effective if it is carried out in the spring, when the soil has already warmed up sufficiently. Unfortunately, experienced gardeners found that attempts to plant weigela shrubs in the fall and subsequently care for the plant were not successful. The seedlings died at the first winter frosts.

It should be taken into account that for planting bushes it is better to choose a place that is located on a hill and must be protected from strong winds. If these measures are not taken, the opened buds may immediately fall off. Therefore, remember that it is best to place weigela in the garden on the south side of a country house.

It has already been said that the plant is relatively tolerant of shaded areas. But for those who want to admire the abundant and colorful flowering of weigela in landscape design, you should choose a well-lit place for planting.

For shrubs, loose soil that is rich in humus is best suited. Taking this into account, gardeners plant plants in sandy or loamy soil. But if you are thinking about how to plant weigela called “Middendorf”, remember that slightly acidic peaty soil will also be favorable for it.

So, how to plant weigela in the spring so that your garden will soon be decorated with wonderful flowers? To do this, it is necessary to prepare a hole, the depth of which will reach no more than 40 cm. But this is taking into account the fact that the soil on the site is fertile.

Otherwise, you will need to increase the depth so that you can lay on the bottom not only a layer of drainage made of crushed bricks, sand or gravel 15 cm thick, but also soil with fertilizers.

Don't forget to mix the nutrient supplement thoroughly with the compost. By the way, in order to increase the likelihood that the plant will take root, it is recommended to treat it with a root formation stimulator.

Please also keep in mind that if you choose large varieties weigels, which can reach a height of up to two meters, it is mandatory to plant each seedling at a distance of at least one and a half meters, or better even two.

If you have prepared weigela species for planting that do not grow above one meter, it will be enough to dig holes at a distance of about 80 cm.

In order to make it easier for you in the future to care for and grow weigela, make sure that when planting the plant, its roots are neatly straightened. And do not deepen the neck of the bush by more than 2 cm. Be sure to water the soil well after planting.

How to care for weigela to grow a lush shrub

When you have completed spring planting, you should think about how to care for weigela. There is nothing super complicated in this task. You just need to follow certain rules.

1. Firstly, be sure to water the seedling during dry periods. But if you were prudent and carried out the mulching procedure - covering the soil around the plant with a layer, for example, of bark - then you are not in danger of frequent watering.
2. Secondly, you need to ensure that the area where weigela grows remains clean: that is, you need to regularly and very carefully pull out the weeds so as not to get caught root system bush.
3. Third, do not forget to thoroughly loosen the soil.

If you follow all the listed instructions, you will soon achieve the result that you can see in the photo of the flowering weigela shrub:

Of course, when wondering how to grow weigela healthy and blooming luxuriantly, you immediately remember adding nutritional fertilizers to the soil. True, if you have already done this in advance - added compost under the roots when planting - then at this moment you can safely forget for the next two years. But in the third year you will still have to work hard and be sure to fertilize the soil in early spring minerals containing phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. This will ensure the growth of young shoots and leaves.

We must not forget that it will help to achieve the desired result, which you can appreciate if you look at the photo below, caring for weigela shrubs, which involves fertilizing in late May or early June:

This is when the plant produces buds.

Therefore, fertilizers must necessarily contain potassium and phosphorus. This will help prolong the flowering period and make it truly magnificent.

But the third time you need to pay special attention to fertilizing the bushes before the autumn digging. Then you should add 200 g/m2 wood ash to the soil.

Be sure to sprinkle the area around the plant with soil to form a mound when all the leaves have fallen off. This moment will come around the end of October or early November. In addition, bend the branches of the bush to the ground and press it to it, and cover the top with spunbond or roofing felt. All this is done in order to protect the weigela from the coming winter frosts.

Remember, in order to achieve the effect that you see in the photo, you need to care and grow weigela in accordance with the rules and procedures that we have described to you:

Reproduction of weigela in spring by cuttings and layering

We talked a little about how to propagate weigela at the very beginning of the article. It has been said that most in a simple way sowing of seeds is considered, but this method does not guarantee the preservation of varietal qualities. True, if some seeds did end up in the soil in the fall, don’t be upset: when they germinate in the spring, you can leave strong seedlings and grow them for another two years, so that you can then replant them in a permanent place.

For implementation this method necessary:

1. Cuttings are cut from green shoots of the current year, which are cut at the end of June, or last year, cut in early spring and already woody. Their length is no more than 15 cm.
2. Next, they are removed from the cuttings lower leaves, and the upper ones are shortened by half. Be sure to treat the bottom of the cuttings with a substance that contains indolylbutyric acid.
3. Then the cuttings are carefully planted in a mixture of peat and sand. You just need to take into account that the planting should not be deep - it will be enough to immerse the cuttings 1 cm.
4. To ensure successful propagation of weigela by cuttings in the spring, gardeners cover each cutting with a plastic bottle or glass jar. They will need to be removed daily to ventilate and moisten the cuttings.
5. Any experienced gardener knows perfectly well how to propagate weigela by cuttings, so when they notice a new shoot from one or another cutting, they immediately pinch it to stimulate the tillering process.

You can also resort to growing shrubs using layering. In this case, any of the lower shoots must be bent to the ground, and in the place where it comes into contact with the ground, the bark of the layer should be carefully slightly damaged and attached to the ground, carefully sprinkling it.

Remember that both layering and cuttings should be grown for three years before planting.

How to properly prune young weigela in spring

Of course, like any other bush, this plant obligatory haircut. Sanitary pruning of weigela in spring is prescribed for young shrubs: the procedure involves removing diseased, broken, frozen and thickening branches.

The main pruning of weigela is carried out for decorative purposes in summer period. This procedure can be performed in the spring, but only for prevention.

To understand how to trim weigela, wait until the buds begin to swell. Only then will you be able to assess the scope of the upcoming work.

And now we offer you step-by-step instructions on how to trim weigela correctly:

1. First, you should carefully examine the branches of the bush.
2. Then you need to find weak or frozen shoots.
3. Naturally, delete them.
4. Those shoots that are partially frozen, simply cut them off to the outermost healthy bud.

Do not forget that in the spring only sanitary pruning is carried out. You need to give the remaining shoots time to grow until the summer.

By the way, another piece of advice that experts often give is as follows: even if the whole shoot is frozen, when pruning, leave a small part of it (no more than 6 cm), which is closer to the ground. There is a possibility that a bud located close to the soil will still wake up and become a strong shoot.

Pruning adult weigela in spring

How to prune weigela, which is already considered an adult plant? In this case, gardeners carry out formative pruning in mid-summer, when the first flowering has already passed and new shoots have not yet had time to grow. Just remember that re-blooming will occur precisely on the shoots of the current year. Therefore, if you did not have time and the shoots began to grow, it is better to abandon summer pruning altogether.

How to prune weigela in the spring so that the number of buds increases each time and the growth of new shoots accelerates? In truth, this will depend on the plant variety you choose.

Remember also that anti-aging pruning is good for adult bushes once every three to four years: it involves the complete removal of all branches older than three years, and those that are younger - shortening by a third.

Weigela pests and diseases

You need to be prepared that various varieties and weigela species are often attacked by pests such as leaf-eating caterpillars and aphids. In addition, thrips and spider mites pose a threat during the hot season.

Unfortunately, to combat all this abomination they use very harmful environment pesticides. You can try to fight using other methods: you should resort to herbal insecticidal infusions that contain wormwood, garlic or hot pepper.

If it gets to the point where the seedlings begin to turn yellow and wither, you will have to fill the soil with a solution of karbofos or actara. Only these moderate pesticides will be able to combat the larvae of the cockchafer or mole cricket, which most likely got into the root system with the compost during planting.

Another danger to the plant is gray rot, rust and spotting. To get rid of such fungal and bacterial diseases, treatment with lime milk with the addition of copper sulfate is most often used.

Winter-hardy weigela species and varieties for the Moscow region: photos and descriptions

Look at the photos of weigela varieties: among them there are ornamental plants, and those that are able to withstand even the most severe frosts in our area. Specifically for winter-hardy Weigela varieties that are most valued by gardeners include the following varieties of shrubs:

Weigela early, or pleasant- a plant that reaches up to two meters in height and grows in the Far East. This species is characterized by drooping leaves and a spherical crown. The inflorescence contains 2-3 flowers, distinguished by a bright pink hue. However, they can also be colored in purple undertones with a yellowish throat. The variety differs in that it blooms at the end of May. This lasts no longer than 30 days.

Another curious variety of weigela, the description of which differs the following characteristics– height up to three meters and shoots with two rows of hairs – is flowering weigela.

Its second name is Florida. It has leaves with short petioles and inflorescences with 3-4 pink buds. The plant blooms for three weeks at the end of May. The winter-hardy variety weigela for

The Moscow region has several common forms: – Alba, Victoria, pink, purple and Variegata.

Alba is distinguished by its tiny size and white flowers, which turn pink at the end of flowering.

Victoria is a bush that grows up to one meter, blooming with dark red inflorescences.

Red weigela, or, as it is also called, purple, reaches a height of 1.5 m and has rich pink flowers that open in June-July.

Weigela pink blooms Very unusual flowers: They are painted in delicate shades of pink on the outside, and almost white on the inside.

Variegata is considered the most persistent - a shrub that is covered with small leaves and rich pink flowers, which are collected in brushes.

To understand what they look like listed species weigels, take a look at the photos below:

One more suitable variety weigela for the Moscow region is considered a hybrid, which is distinguished by its lush color and spreading crown. The shrub grows to a height of approximately 1.5 m. Depending on the variety, it can bloom with purple, white, lilac, red-violet and pink flowers.

For example, one of the most popular species, Bristol Ruby, is characterized by purple buds with ruby ​​edges.

Sometimes there are plants whose flowers have an orange center. By the way, this shrub was bred in the USA back in 1941. But the Red Prince variety, which was also introduced to the world by American breeders, has rich red buds that stand out brightly against the background of green foliage.

Weigela middendorff shrub also took its place in the landscape design of many country houses. It has yellow flowers that can grow singly or be collected in small inflorescences of up to 6 buds. The bush blooms twice a year.

You can see in the photo the described types and varieties of weigela, which, of course, are not limited to the entire huge range of breeding varieties of this plant:

We invite you to pay attention to the following types such a popular ornamental shrub.

Weigela profusely blooming, which is considered the fastest growing variety. It can reach up to 3 meters in height and has flowers that are initially red but turn pale pink towards the end of flowering. It produces wild color in May.

Korean variety It is distinguished by bell-shaped buds collected in inflorescences, the color of which varies from white to a real rich pink. The flowering period is very short - about 15 days. This wonderful phenomenon can be observed in early June.

Garden weigela came to us from Japan itself. It reaches a height of up to 1 m. It is very similar to the Korean bush, but, unlike it, it is characterized abundant flowering carmine buds collected in inflorescences of 3 flowers. In shape they resemble something between tubes and bells. Lush color can be observed almost at the very end of May, which will continue until the very beginning of July. The plant must be covered in winter. However, with age, the shrub is characterized by the acquisition of a certain frost resistance.

Veigel Maksimovich- This is a very low shrub - about 1.5 m in height. The plant is characterized by drooping leaves, slightly pointed at the tops. Its flowers reach up to 4 cm in size, are light yellow in color and bell-shaped. It usually blooms in our latitudes in the second half of May and almost until mid-June. But the seeds ripen only by mid-October.

Do you want to know what new plant species are now popular abroad? Then quickly look at the photo and read the description of weigela varieties below:

Firstly, a tall bush with white buds called “Candida” is considered fashionable.

In second place is Weigela "Styriaca", which is distinguished by pink inflorescences

Marc Tellier's weigela, which reaches a height of up to 3 m and has large pink flowers

'Pierre Duchartre' has dark brown buds.

Should these varieties really remain popular only abroad? We are sure that you will also want to experiment with the plants described.

Weigela in garden landscape design (with photo)

Weigels in the design of any garden become a truly magnificent decoration: they can be placed under sparsely standing trees, planted at the edge, complement rocky areas of the landscape, or create a magnificent hedge.

The plant will give your lawn that missing zest. It can be placed in the center of the lawn or placed four bushes at once in the corners of the plot to create a “watchtower” effect. By the way, you can achieve the same effect by planting two bushes right at the threshold of your mansion.

If you are not deprived of imagination, you will come up with the idea of ​​​​creating a real park. This can be organized by placing weigela in a mixborder. Or, as the tallest shrub, place it on the back line so as not to block the light.

Just be sure to make sure that Sun rays did not reach the plant. You need to consider the placement of cardinal directions, which will help plant the bush where it will not be constantly in the shade. Another option is that large trees planted in front of the weigela will let through their foliage sufficient quantity sun rays.

Take a look at the photo of weigela in landscape design: what stunning plant ensembles real garden geniuses manage to create!

These are the mixed compositions that combine, for example, cotoneasters, low-growing, conifers– junipers and cypresses – with weigela please the eye and bring the desired feeling of peace. But even planted single weigela shrubs look no less beautiful at the gate or at the front entrance.

But if you still have about a dozen multi-colored plants, skilled gardeners recommend trying a little and placing them, for example, in three groups, which will be divided by varietal or species diversity. And a lot depends on how you want to compositionally decorate your site.

Place plants picturesquely on the lawn, planting 3-5 specimens in each group. Be sure to ensure that the seedlings match each other in color, flowering time, bush size and shape. By the way, if you decide to take such a step, do not forget to regularly mulch the area. Moreover, if the soil is loose, it would be very appropriate to plant perennials between the weigela bushes - ferns, hostas, astilbe, which can decorate any garden all year round.

And to once again be convinced of the beauty of the plant described in this article, look at the photo of the weigela shrub, which has become the choice of many experienced gardeners:

Weigela is thermophilic garden plant, which, thanks to its colorful flowering, can transform any garden. Shrubs are planted in open ground in spring or autumn. A three-year-old weigela seedling is suitable for this. Caring for it is not difficult, the main thing is to prune and feed it correctly 3 years after planting and be sure to cover it for the winter.

Types and varieties of weigela

The main types are:

1. Blooming- this is the most tall view, reaches 3 meters or more:
   • flowering is observed from early May to late June (in some regions until July);
   • does not like the scorching sun;
   • takes root faster in the shade;
   • prefers good lighting;
   • blooms in a variety of colors, from pale to bright pink;
   • does not tolerate excessive soil moisture.

   Advice: In order for the plant to bloom better, you should avoid planting density.

2. Variegata– average height from 80 to 90 cm:
   • takes root well in the middle zone;
   • able to survive winter, but only without severe frosts;
   • when flowering, it acquires a rich pink color;
   • The flowering period is from May to June.

   Note: this look looks better when alone.

3. Hybrid– height varies within 1 meter:
   • burgundy inflorescences;
   • large and rich green leaves (compared to other species);
   • do not like excessive moisture;
   • They grow better where there is alternating shade and direct sunlight;
4. Variegated– height up to 40 cm:
   • leaves of several colors;
   • flowering varies - from white to pink;
   • does not like severe frosts and excessive soil moisture.

Early

Korean Maksimovich

Hybrid Aurea Hybrid Eva Rathke

Japanese Garden

Middendorf Blooming Coins

Blooming Nana Variegata Hybrid Bristol Ruby

Japanese Raspberry Bells Minor Black

Hybrid Red Prince Alexandra

According to varieties, the plant is divided into:

• frost-resistant;
• dwarf;
• heat-loving;
• tall and others.

Most varieties have another flowering, in addition to the end of spring, it occurs from August to September, but unlike the first, it is less abundant.

Choosing a landing site

A place for planting a plant such as weigela must meet the basic requirements:

• be located on a hill;
• do not be exclusively in the shade, there should always be good lighting (except at night);
• don't grow in the wind. In strong winds, especially from the north, weigela flowers may fall off or not bloom at all.
• It is better to choose the south side of the garden plot;
• avoid rocky terrain;
• the best option if the sun's rays fall in the morning or afternoon.
  

  Note: such plants begin to bloom much faster and take root better.

• It is better that there are no bushes nearby that will further interfere with full growth and flowering;
• so that it is possible to easily close the bush in strong winds, snow, rain and other unfavorable climatic conditions.

Special requirements are placed on the soil itself; it must be:

• as loose as possible;
• rich in nutrients;
• with good moisture permeability;
• where standing flood water is excluded;
• with a neutral reaction.

Soil preparation

After determining the location for planting, the soil must be properly prepared. Main stages:

• loosen thoroughly;
• fertilize;
  

  Note: for this it is better to use special fertilizers, which can be purchased at flower shops.

• add turf soil and sand, especially if the area is quite clay;
  

  Advice: turf soil should be added for any soil characteristics.

• add crushed chalk, but only if the soil area is acidic.

When to plant?

Weigela can be planted in spring and autumn. Three-year-old seedlings are used for planting.

Features of spring planting:

• the ideal time is after April 10, but for some areas the deadline may be delayed, up to mid-May;
• takes root faster;
• brighter flowering;
• V further plant stronger and healthier.

Features of autumn planting:

• you need to dig in the seedlings at a slight angle;
• the risk that seedlings will die in the first winter is very high;
• autumn planting is more applicable to the southern regions;
• required best care and observation;
• often the flowering is more faded;
• greater susceptibility to disease is possible.

How to plant in open ground?

The main stages of planting in open ground:

1. Before planting, thoroughly dig up the pre-selected site.
2. Dig required amount pits, the average depth of each is about a meter, width 50 cm.
3. Place brick or gravel at the very bottom of the resulting hole.
   
4. Add humus.
   

   Note: on average, the required amount of humus is from 4 to 5 kg (depending on the characteristics and characteristics of the soil). In the southern regions it is allowed to add a smaller amount than in the northern ones.

   
   

   Advice: if landing is in autumn time year, it is better to add compost from fallen leaves to the soil.

5. Add superphosphate and potassium salt, 40 grams of each substance.
   

   Note: allowed various fertilizers, the main thing is to carefully study their composition; potassium and phosphorus must be present there.

6. Carefully treat the roots of the seedlings.
   

   Note: ideal solution – Epin, you need to lower the seedlings into it for about 20 minutes, this will allow the plant to take root and bloom faster in the future.

7. Carefully place the seedling in the hole and cover it with soil.
8. Straighten all the leaves.
9. Manually compact the soil.
10. Water (but not too much).
    

    Note: It is not uncommon that after watering the neck becomes exposed, in this case it is necessary to add more soil.

The main stages of planting such a plant in the Moscow region generally do not differ from other regions, however, they have their own characteristics:

• It is recommended to plant only in the spring;
• add a thicker layer of sand, at least 20 centimeters, to the bottom of the dug hole, since the risk of flooding in this region is slightly higher compared to the southern regions and the Black Earth Region;
• add humus in an amount of 5.5–6 kg.

Advice: It is better not to plant varieties with decorative leaves, as they prefer hot climates. In the Moscow region, especially in cold summers, such weigels will not take root or will not bloom well enough.

Care

In order for weigela to take root properly and bloom in a timely manner, special care is required:

• Be sure to remove all weeds.
  

  Advice: It is better not to wait until they have grown too much, but to weed them out immediately after they appear.

• water, especially during dry periods. For irrigation, clean water is required, most importantly, without chlorine. Rain or spring water is ideal.
  

  Note: if the summer is not dry, then you can do without watering, the main thing is to carefully monitor the condition of the leaves and soil.

• loosen regularly, as a rule, this should be done about 2 times a month;
• close the plant during strong winds, heavy rain, sudden frosts;

  Note: Greenhouse films are excellent for these purposes.

• remove dried leaves.

Every spring you need to carry out sanitary pruning (but only after the weigela has faded) - all shoots that have been damaged are pruned.

If the plant was planted taking into account all the requirements, then do bait only required for 3 years. It is carried out in several stages:

• when it thawed;
• before flowering;
• at the end of flowering.

Advice: for feeding, you need to purchase specialized fertilizers, which are taken in the amount of 30 grams for each individual bush.

Preparing for cold weather

Preparatory measures are carried out only after the plant has dropped all its foliage. Main stages of preparation:

• backfilling the trunk with soil (the height will be approximately 15–20 centimeters);
• tie all branches together;
• cover with a blanket, in some cases it is allowed to cover with roofing felt (if the plant is strong and tall).

Note: The fabric of the material must be breathable.

How to propagate?

There are several options:

Note: many are covered with ordinary empty plastic bottles, but it has been noted that cuttings covered with film germinate faster and are subsequently stronger and healthier.

Advice: cuttings definitely need to be treated with a special solution for root formation.

Seeds and cuttings need daily watering, and the water should be settled and not cold. It is also necessary to ventilate them, it is better to do this at the same time, for example, in the morning and evening.