Weigela Weigela coraeensis 'Eva Rathke'

Water

The Weigela 'Eva Rathke' enjoys consistently moist but well-drained soil. During the first growing season, ensure to water it deeply once a week, which equates to about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each plant, depending on the weather conditions. After establishment, the Weigela generally requires less frequent watering, depending on rainfall and temperature, but about 1 to 1.5 gallons per week during dry spells is usually sufficient. Always check the soil about an inch below the surface; if it's dry, it's time to water. During extreme heat or drought, increase watering frequency to prevent stress to the plant.

Light

The Weigela 'Eva Rathke' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, you should place it in a spot where it can get at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to sparse blooms and a less vigorous plant. Morning sun with afternoon shade can also work well, especially in hotter climates.

Temperature

Weigela 'Eva Rathke' is able to handle a range of temperature conditions and is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. The ideal growing temperatures for this plant range between 60°F and 75°F, but it can survive winter dips down to -30°F and summer highs that soar well above 75°F. To maintain its health, try to avoid planting in locations where temperatures fall outside these extremes on a regular basis.

Pruning

Weigela 'Eva Rathke' should be pruned for shape and to remove any dead or crossed branches. The best time to prune is immediately after the spring flowering has ceased, as this plant blooms on old wood. A general rule is to not remove more than one-third of the plant in a given year. Annual pruning helps to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering for the next season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Weigela 'Eva Rathke' thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sand to retain moisture while preventing waterlogging. The best soil pH for this shrub is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from pH 5.5 to 7.0. Amend with organic matter annually to maintain soil fertility.

Repotting

Weigela 'Eva Rathke' typically does not require frequent repotting as it's a larger shrub primarily grown outdoors. When grown in containers, it may need repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.

Humidity & Misting

Weigela 'Eva Rathke' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does well in the average outdoor climate. It does not require specific humidity levels to thrive but prefers not to be in excessively dry air for extended periods.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, moderate watering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun to part shade, ensure well-draining soil and space.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Weigela florida 'Eva Rathke' starts its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in the right conditions—"light", warmth, and moisture—will sprout and grow into a small seedling. The seedling enters a vegetative phase where it rapidly grows leaves and stems, establishing a strong root system, and eventually maturing into an adult plant. Once mature, it displays its distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators with its vibrant blooms. After pollination, the plant sets fruit, typically in the form of small capsules, which later dry and release seeds, propagating the next generation. The plant continues to grow and will experience phases of dormancy, especially in colder climates, where it loses leaves and enters a period of rest during the winter months. With proper care, 'Eva Rathke' can live for many years, going through repeated cycles of growth, blooming, and dormancy.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Weigela florida 'Eva Rathke', commonly known as Weigela, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically takes place in late spring to early summer when the plant's new growth has begun to mature but is not yet fully hardened. You would cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) length of stem that includes several leaves using sharp, clean pruning shears. The bottom inch of the cutting should be stripped of leaves, and the cut end dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Then, the cutting is placed in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or sand, ensuring that the leaf-free portion is buried. The pot should be kept in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight, making sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Roots usually develop within 4 to 8 weeks, after which the new Weigela can be transplanted to a more permanent location.