Species
Weigela floridaOld Fashioned Weigela15 other cultivars
‘Wine Roses’Wine & Roses Weigela
‘Dark Pink’Dark Pink Weigela
‘Sonic Bloom Red’Weigela florida Sonic Bloom Red
‘My Monet Purple Effect’Weigela florida My Monet Purple Effect
‘Spilled Wine’Weigela florida Spilled Wine
‘My Monet’My Monet Weigela
‘Maroon Swoon’Maroon Swoon Weigela
‘Wine Spirits’Weigela
‘Pink Splash’Pink Splash Weigela
‘Java Red’Java Red Weigela
‘Snippet Dark Pink’Weigela florida Snippet Dark Pink
‘Rainbow Sensation’Rainbow Sensation Weigela
‘Velda’Tuxedo Weigela
‘Midnight Wine Shine’Midnight Wine Shine Weigela
‘Foliis Purpureis’Old fashioned weigela
The Story
Plant Bio
Weigela florida is a deciduous East Asian shrub known for its arching branches and profuse display of funnel-shaped flowers. The species adapts readily to various well-drained garden soils and forms a broad, multi-stemmed habit over time.
'Midnight Sun' is an extremely compact, bun-shaped cultivar that reaches only 12 to 18 inches in height and width without pruning. Its glossy foliage emerges lime-green in spring before transitioning through summer bronze and orange tones to a fiery red in fall.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
18"
Width
18"
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
Medium
Lifespan
10-20 years
Native To
East Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late spring – Mid-summer
In flower about 3 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure vibrant foliage color.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as it was in the container.
- Backfill with native soil, press firmly to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
- Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems to prevent rot.
Pro Tip
Plant in direct full sun; partial shade causes the complex orange and purple leaf pigments to fade into a dull green, and significantly reduces flower density.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, resilient root system.
- Prune immediately after the late spring bloom finishes if any shaping or rejuvenation is required.
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for woody shrubs in early spring.
Don't
- Do not prune in late winter or early spring, as this removes the flower buds formed on old wood.
- Do not plant in low-lying areas or heavy clay soils that remain permanently wet or waterlogged.
- Do not fertilize past mid-summer to avoid stimulating tender new growth that will succumb to winter frost.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Midnight Sun Weigela questions
What zones can Midnight Sun Weigela grow in?
Midnight Sun 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 Midnight Sun Weigela deer resistant?
Yes — Midnight Sun Weigela is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Midnight Sun Weigela bloom?
Midnight Sun Weigela typically blooms in late spring through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Midnight Sun Weigela need full sun?
Midnight Sun Weigela does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Midnight Sun Weigela drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Midnight Sun Weigela handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Weigela to compare
Wine & Roses Weigela
Weigela florida 'Wine Roses'
Dark Pink Weigela
Weigela florida 'Dark Pink'
Weigela florida Sonic Bloom Red
Weigela florida 'Sonic Bloom Red'
Weigela florida My Monet Purple Effect
Weigela florida 'My Monet Purple Effect'
Weigela Very Fine Wine
Weigela x hybrida 'Very Fine Wine'
Weigela florida Spilled Wine
Weigela florida 'Spilled Wine'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Midnight Sun Weigela with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.