Weigela is a deciduous flowering shrub. It belongs to the plant family Caprifoliaceae. Weigela ‘Minuet’ or Weigela florida is a small, short, and easy-to-grow flowering plant. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8. The funnel shape flowers of Weigela plants are beautiful reddish-purple in color with a light yellow neck. They attract Hummingbirds with their mildly sweet scent. We will discuss more on the growth and care for the Minuet Weigela plant in today’s post.
There are 12 flowering deciduous shrubs in the Weigela genus. All of them are native to East Asia. Now they are popularly grown worldwide. The sweet fragrant weigela flowers start blooming in mid-spring around May or June. It can bloom repeatedly throughout the summer season with fewer blooms than sping. Weigela plants are popular for their ornamental look and showy flowers. It is an ideal plant for borders, especially with hedgerows.
Check out my previous post: How to Care for Bouvardia, The Firecracker Plant?
Weigela Minuet Plant info
- Name: Weigela ‘Minuet’
- Genus: Weigela
- Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Plant Type: short Deciduous shrub
- Plant Height & Spread: Variable size according to species. Most of them are 2 to 3 feet (30 inches approx) heigh and 3 to 4 feet (40 inches) widespread.
- Hardiness Zones: USDA hardiness zone 4 to 8.
- Flower: 2 to 3 cm long, funnel-shaped, purple-red in color with a light yellow neck. The head of the flower spans up to 2cm in diameter. These flowers are showy and fragrant.
- Bloom Time: Spring season. May to June, Although the month can vary with location.
- Leaf: elliptic leaves, 2 to 3 cm in length. Leaves are bright green to light purple in color.
- Soil: Light to clay soil. Adaptable to different soil types. The soil must be light, soft, and well-drained. It should be rich in organic matter, slightly acidic, and have moderate water retention.
- Sunlight: Bright 4 to 6 hours of direct morning light is required.
- Watering: Once every week should be enough. Water only when the soil becomes dry at the top 2 inches.
- Fertilizers: Use slow-release organic fertilizer once in 45 days. Apply balanced soluble NPK in 30 days interval.
- Benefits: Attracts lots of butterflies and Hummingbirds.
- Common Problems: It is a hardy plant. There are no serious insect or disease problems related to this plant. Although it can attract aphids, mites, or whiteflies in a continuous humid and moist environment.
How to Care for Minuet Weigela Plant?
You should understand the prerequisites of plant life to keep it healthy and blooming. If you really want to care for a Minuet weigela plant then try to fulfill its basic needs.
All it needs is healthy soil, rich in nutrients that receive full sunlight for 4 or more hours. Watering regularly is necessary to keep the plant healthy.
Ok just try to follow this checklist. The more you achieve better your plant will be.
Also read: How to Grow and Propagate Bouvardia, the Firecracker bush?
Care for Minute Weigela Plant
- Grow the weigela plant in a location where the soil is light and well-drained. It should receive maximum sunlight as much as possible. It can tolerate light shade but this is not good for blooming.
- Keep the soil moist and rich in organic matter. You can dump 2 to 3 inches of manure in the soil before plantation. It will also keep the ph low which is better for Minuet blooms.
- Weigela plants usually don’t require any support. The mature branches are semi-hardy stems. They can even sustain heavy wind. Although small supporting stick would be better in initial growth days.
- Use clean well mature organic compost once or twice in 2 months. Also, add balance NPK fertilizer at 15 to 20 days intervals during blooming season. It will encourage faster blooming throughout the growing season. Don’t forget to water after applying any fertilizer to the soil.
- Watering should be done carefully. Weigela Minuet plants require low to moderate watering throughout their growing period. Make sure the soil is dry on the top 2-inch layer before watering. Weigela plants can easily survive light wilting due to underwatering but overwatering can cause sudden root rot.
- Weeding is an essential part of the care for the Minuet weigela plant. You should never allow weed or grass growth around the edges.
- Use light organic mulch like wood chips or peat moss in early spring to avoid any weed or grass growth. This will also increase the soil temperature and retain more moisture. Sometimes you can use a black plastic tarp for mulching especially before winter. Although it is not essential.
- Prune and deadhead the spent dead flowers and branches regularly. Once flowering is over, you should prune the top of each branch.
- Keep the plant clean and dry to avoid pest attacks.
Final words
Growing and caring Weigela plant is quite easy. You must grow it in healthy soil and place it in a well-lit position. It should get full sun, avoid any partial shade. Container-grown weigela plants should be moved indoors during heavy frost. It can survive cold winter but heavy frost can kill any plant easily.
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All you need is-
- Good soil, Bright spot, and regular food and water supply.
- Avoid splash to the leaves during the watering cycle. This can easily prevent common pests attacks.
- These plants are moderate feeders. So don’t overdo anything. Too much water or fertilizer can be deadly to your plant.
I hope this article is helpful. Please write back for any queries in the comment box. I’ll try to answer all your interesting questions. Till then keep reading keep gardening.
