Weigela florida is a deciduous shrub native to northern China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan, grown widely in North American and European gardens for its dense display of funnel-shaped flowers in pink, red, and white during late spring. It reaches 6–8 feet tall with a broad, arching habit and is a reliable choice for hedges, screens, and mixed borders. Hummingbirds and bumblebees are consistent visitors.
Weigela blooms on the previous season's wood, making pruning timing critical. Prune immediately after the main flowering period ends, reducing flowered stems by about one-third to a strong lateral bud. Any pruning done in late summer, fall, or early spring removes next year's buds. The plant prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Mulching the root zone with 2–3 inches of organic material conserves moisture and moderates soil temperature. In the colder end of its range, tip dieback is normal and should be cleared in early spring once green tissue is visible beneath the bark.
Powdery mildew
White or grey powdery coating on leaves — usually starting on older growth in humid conditions or when nights cool.
Improve air circulation by thinning plants. Apply neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign. Avoid overhead watering.
Fungal leaf spot
Brown or purplish spots on the leaves, often ringed with a yellow halo, that spread and merge in warm, humid, or wet weather; heavily spotted leaves yellow and drop early.
Pick off spotted leaves and clear fallen debris to remove overwintering spores. Improve air circulation by thinning, and water at the base so foliage dries quickly. If it persists, apply a copper- or sulfur-based fungicide at the first sign.
Root rot
Plants wilt, yellow, and stunt even in moist soil; lower stems and roots turn brown, soft, and mushy and the plant may collapse. Most common in heavy, wet, or poorly drained ground.
Improve drainage and stop overwatering, and never plant too deep. Lift and destroy badly affected plants along with the soil around the roots. Grow in raised or free-draining beds to prevent it returning.