Weigela

Weigela is a deciduous flowering shrub that builds its display along arching branches in late spring and early summer. Clusters of narrow, trumpet-shaped flowers appear in pink, red, white, purple and occasionally yellow, often drawing bees while the rest of the shrub is still in fresh growth. Some Weigela plants add another layer through bronze, purple or variegated foliage, so their contribution continues well beyond the main flowering period.

The range of habits makes Weigela easy to place in different parts of a UK garden. Larger varieties can settle into mixed shrub borders or informal hedging, while compact forms suit smaller gardens and containers. Most grow well in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light partial shade. Coloured and variegated leaves usually develop their strongest tones with good light, although very hot sun can scorch some foliage.

Once flowering finishes, Weigela shrubs are best pruned soon afterwards because the following season’s flowers are carried on growth made the previous year. Removing some older stems helps fresh shoots develop from lower down and keeps established plants open rather than congested. Left to settle into the border, Weigela becomes a reliable part of the late-spring garden, returning with fresh foliage first and then its familiar run of tubular flowers.