17 Stunning and Deer-Resistant Weigela Varieties for Every Garden
Enjoy low-maintenance blooms in diverse hues that thrive even amid hungry wildlife.
17 Gorgeous and Deer-Resistant Weigela Varieties for Your Garden
Weigela is a beloved flowering shrub admired for its vibrant blooms, easy care, and resistance to deer. With so many varieties available, there is a weigela perfect for every garden style and space, whether you’re seeking dramatic color, subtle elegance, or a pollinator haven. This guide highlights 17 outstanding weigela cultivars, their unique attributes, and practical growing advice to help gardeners choose the best options for their landscapes.
Why Choose Weigela?
- Pollinator-friendly: Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees but not deer.
- Versatile growth: Offers varieties for containers, small gardens, hedges, and specimen plantings.
- Color diversity: Available in shades of pink, red, white, purple, and unique foliage options.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established.
Top 17 Deer-Resistant Weigela Varieties and Their Features
Below you’ll find a carefully curated selection of 17 weigela varieties, each with its distinctive traits. These recommendations cover a range of colors, sizes, and horticultural highlights.
| Variety | Botanical Name | Height | Flower Color | Foliage Color | Hardiness Zones | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic Bloom Wine⢠| Weigela florida âSMNWFGâ | 4â5 ft | Bubblegum pink | Deep green, purple | 4â8 | Reblooms all season, new for 2024 |
| Wine & Roses® | Weigela florida âAlexandraâ | 3â5 ft | Bright pink | Dark burgundy/maroon | 4â8 | Season-long color contrast |
| All Summer Peach | Weigela florida ‘All Summer Peach’ | 1.5â2 ft | Apricot | Green | 4â8 | Dwarf, container-friendly |
| Victoria | Weigela florida ‘Victoria’ | 3â5 ft | Deep pink | Medium green | 4â8 | Classic garden appeal |
| Monet (My Monet®) | Weigela florida ‘Verweig’ | 2.5 ft | Pale pink/white | Variegated pink, white, green | 4â8 | Compact, vibrant foliage |
| Nana Variegata | Weigela florida ‘Nana Variegata’ | 5â6 ft | White, mauve-pink | Green/yellow-white edges | 4â8 | Soft flower, variegated leaf |
| Wine & Spirits | Weigela florida âWine & Spiritsâ | 3â5 ft | White | Rich wine/deep purple | 4â8 | Bold foliage, spring bloom |
| Midnight Sun | Weigela florida ‘Midnight Sun’ | 1â1.5 ft | Light pink | Coppery orange to burgundy | 4â8 | Tiny, changing foliage |
| Purpurea | Weigela florida âPurpureaâ | 4â5 ft | Dark pink | Red-purple | 4â8 | Dark foliage, striking blooms |
| Variegata | Weigela florida âVariegataâ | 6.5 ft | Light pink | Green/yellow-white edge | 4â8 | Wide, colorful presence |
| Sonic Bloom® (Red/Pink/White) | Weigela florida ‘Sonic Bloom®’ | 4â5 ft | Red, pink, or white | Green, purple | 4â8 | Multiple rebloom colors |
| My Monet Purple Effect | Weigela florida ‘My Monet Purple Effect’ | 2.5 ft | Pale pink | Purple-tinged | 4â8 | Container-friendly |
| Spilled Wine® | Weigela florida ‘Bokraspiwi’ | 2 ft | Magenta pink | Dark purple | 4â8 | Spreading habit |
| Minuet | Weigela florida ‘Minuet’ | 2â3 ft | Pale pink | Burgundy tips, green | 4â8 | Dwarf, colorful foliage |
| Florida | Weigela florida | 4â10 ft | Rose-pink | Medium green | 4â8 | Classic species |
| Pink Princess | Weigela florida ‘Pink Princess’ | 3â6 ft | Pink | Green | 4â8 | Reliable, heavy bloomer |
| Red Prince | Weigela florida ‘Red Prince’ | 3â6 ft | Rich red | Green | 4â8 | Vivid red flowers |
Cultivating and Caring for Weigela Shrubs
Weigela thrives in diverse environments and is largely considered easy to grow. Most varieties prefer full sun for the best bloom production, although some tolerate light shade. Follow these guidelines for optimal results:
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Amend heavy clay with compost.
- Watering: Establish with regular watering; once mature, weigela tolerates moderate drought.
- Pruning: Prune after spring or early summer blooming to shape the shrub and maintain vigor. Remove spent flowers for reblooming types.
- Mulching: Layer mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, especially in cooler zones.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced shrub fertilizer in early spring to stimulate stronger flower production.
Common Uses for Weigela in Gardens
- Foundation planting: Place along house foundations for colorful borders.
- Hedges and privacy screens: Use taller varieties for attractive living fences.
- Container gardening: Select compact types for pots and patio accents.
- Mixed perennial beds: Combine with other sun-loving perennials for seasonal interest.
- Pollinator gardens: Place near seating to enjoy hummingbirds and butterflies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Weigela
Q: Are all weigela varieties deer-resistant?
A: Yes, weigela is widely considered deer-resistant due to its foliage and flower compounds, making it a safe choice for gardens frequented by wildlife.
Note: In rare cases of extreme food shortages, deer may browse a wider range of plants.
Q: When is the best time to prune weigela?
A: Immediately after blooming in spring or early summer for most varieties. For reblooming types like Sonic Bloom®, prune lightly after each flush. Avoid heavy pruning before bloom, which reduces flowers.
Q: How should I fertilize my weigela shrub?
A: Apply a balanced shrub fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce blooms.
What others are reading
Q: Do weigela shrubs require full sun?
A: Full sun (at least 6 hours) is ideal for profuse blooms and compact growth. Most tolerate light shade but flower best in sun.
Q: Can I grow weigela in a container?
A: Yes, many dwarf varieties are well-suited to containers, such as Monet, Midnight Sun, and All Summer Peach. Use well-drained soil and regular watering.
Tips for Designing Your Landscape with Weigela
- Contrast and color: Use dark-foliaged varieties (Wine & Roses®, Purpurea) alongside white or pastel annuals for eye-catching displays.
- Seasonal succession: Stagger different bloom times to provide continuous color from spring to fall.
- Wildlife gardens: Position weigela where you can enjoy the activity of garden pollinators.
- Layering heights: Combine dwarf and tall cultivars for a textured, multi-level planting.
Summary Table: Weigela Variety Highlights
| Feature | Top Varieties |
|---|---|
| Dwarf & Compact | Monet (My Monet®), Midnight Sun, All Summer Peach, Minuet |
| Dark Foliage | Wine & Roses®, Wine & Spirits, Purpurea, Spilled Wine® |
| Reblooming | Sonic Bloom®, Sonic Bloom Wine⢠|
| Variegated Leaves | Nana Variegata, Monet (My Monet®), Variegata |
| Best for Containers | Midnight Sun, Monet (My Monet®), All Summer Peach, My Monet Purple Effect |
Final Thoughts
Whether your garden needs a splash of pink in spring or a bold accent for a mixed border, weigela offers a reliable and dramatic solution. Select from these deer-resistant varieties for lasting beauty and easy gardening success. Remember to match the size and growth habits to your space, and look forward to a garden alive with color and buzzing with wildlife.
Additional FAQs
Q: How far apart should I plant weigela bushes?
A: Space medium-sized varieties 3â5 feet apart to allow room for spreading and airflow. Dwarf types can be placed closer, while large shrubs will need more spacing.
Q: What pests or diseases affect weigela?
A: Weigela is generally pest-free, with occasional aphids or powdery mildew if overcrowded or over-watered. Good spacing and air circulation help avoid problems.
Q: How can I ensure continued blooms?
A: Plant in full sun, prune after blooms, and select reblooming varieties like Sonic Bloom® for ongoing floral displays.
References
- https://plantura.garden/uk/trees-shrubs/weigela/weigela-varieties
- https://blog.greatgardenplants.com/questions-answered-series-how-to-grow-weigela/
- https://www.epicgardening.com/weigela-varieties/
- https://thegreenthumbers.com/weigela-our-most-popular-varieties/
- https://www.epicgardening.com/wine-and-roses-weigela/
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