Species

Weigela floridaOld Fashioned Weigela

15 other cultivars

shrub

Old fashioned weigela

Weigela florida 'Foliis Purpureis'

The Story

Plant Bio

Weigela florida is a deciduous, bushy shrub native to East Asia, known for its arching branches and profuse spring flowering. The species adapts readily to various soil types and produces clusters of tubular flowers along the previous season's growth.

'Foliis Purpureis' is distinguished by its compact, rounded habit and striking bronze-purple foliage that emerges in rich bronze tones. The deep pink, funnel-shaped flowers feature pale pink to white throats, creating a strong contrast against the dark leaves.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking color contrast in the landscape with its deep bronze-purple foliage and bright pink flowers.

Functions as a low-maintenance, compact hedge or foundation plant that adapts to various soil types.

Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees to the nectar-rich, tubular flowers in late spring.

SpeciesWeigela floridaOld Fashioned Weigela

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

39"

Width

39"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Deciduous shrub

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to ensure the deepest bronze-purple foliage color and maximum flower production.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.
Set the plant at the same depth as it was in the container, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the main stems.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after flowering finishes in early summer; cutting back in late winter or early spring removes the dormant buds and eliminates the season's bloom.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually immediately after the flowers fade to stimulate fresh, vigorous growth.
Grow in full sun to maintain the rich purple coloration of the foliage.
Provide regular, deep watering during dry spells until the root system is fully established.

Don't

Do not prune in late winter or early spring, as this removes the current season's flower buds.
Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged, or soggy soils where root rot can develop.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood where dormant buds may fail to break.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mixed BordersFoundation PlantingsDeciduous HedgesSpecimen Plantings

Companion Plants

Spiraea japonica Salvia nemorosa Physocarpus opulifolius Nepeta faassenii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Old fashioned weigela questions

What zones can Old fashioned weigela grow in?

Old fashioned weigela is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Old fashioned weigela deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Old fashioned weigela, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Old fashioned weigela bloom?

Old fashioned weigela typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Old fashioned weigela need full sun?

Old fashioned weigela does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Old fashioned weigela drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Old fashioned weigela handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.