Variegated Weigela Weigela 'Nana Variegata' (v)

Water

Variegated Weigela should be watered deeply and thoroughly, ensuring the water reaches the roots. For young plants, watering twice a week during hot and dry conditions is recommended, decreasing to once a week as the plant becomes established. Typically, one to two gallons per watering session should be sufficient, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the winter months or in cooler weather, reduce watering frequency to reflect decreased evaporation and plant uptake.

Light

The ideal lighting condition for Variegated Weigela is full sun to partial shade. It thrives when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but some afternoon shade can be beneficial in hotter climates. An eastern or western exposure providing bright, indirect light for part of the day is also suitable for this plant.

Temperature

Variegated Weigela prefers a temperate climate and can tolerate a temperature range from 20°F to 85°F. However, its ideal growing temperature is between 50°F and 75°F. While it can survive brief periods outside this range, extended exposure to temperatures beyond this spectrum can cause stress to the plant.

Pruning

Pruning Variegated Weigela is done to shape the plant, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote more prolific blooms. The best time to prune is immediately after the spring flowering has finished. Generally, pruning can be performed annually or biennially, depending on the desired plant size and shape.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Weigela 'Nana Variegata' prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, ideally between 5.5 and 7.5. The best soil mix can be achieved by combining garden soil, compost, and peat moss to enhance fertility and drainage. It's also beneficial to incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil mix at planting time.

Repotting

Weigela 'Nana Variegata' is typically not grown in containers and hence does not require regular repotting. However, if you must grow it in a pot, repotting can be performed every 2 to 3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot, using a fresh soil mix as described for ideal growth.

Humidity & Misting

Weigela 'Nana Variegata' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions. It thrives in outdoor garden environments where the natural humidity is sufficient for its growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Variegated Weigela needs bright indirect light indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun to part-shade in well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Weigela 'Nana Variegata', commonly known as Dwarf Variegated Weigela, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in spring, in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade exposure. The seedling grows into a young plant, developing a woody stem and distinctive variegated leaves, with creamy white margins and green centers. As the plant matures, usually within 2-3 years, it reaches its flowering stage, which occurs in late spring to early summer, producing funnel-shaped pink flowers attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers give way to inconspicuous fruit capsules containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, which can span many years with proper care, the Dwarf Variegated Weigela undergoes periodic growth and dormancy cycles, with active growth in the spring and summer and dormancy in the fall and winter. Pruning immediately after flowering can encourage a second bloom and maintain the plant's shape.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Weigela ‘Nana Variegata’, commonly known as Variegated Dwarf Weigela, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings taken in late spring to early summer. This method involves cutting a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length of stem from new growth that has not yet hardened and is still flexible. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. To maintain humidity, a plastic bag or cover can be placed over the cutting, but it should be removed periodically to allow for air circulation and prevent mold growth. Once rooted, the new Weigela can be transplanted to a more permanent location.