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Description
Weigela Florida, also known as the Florida Weigela, is a popular deciduous flowering shrub that belongs to the family Caprifoliaceae. This shrub is native to East Asia, specifically China, Korea, and Japan. It was named after a German professor of medicine, Christian Ehrenfried Weigel. The Weigela Florida is a preferred choice for gardeners and landscapers due to its attractive and showy flowers, which bloom in late spring and early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Weigela |
Appearance
The Weigela Florida can grow up to 10 feet in height and 10 feet in width. It has a dense, rounded habit with arching branches that give it an attractive shape. The leaves are ovate, medium green, and 2-5 inches long. The flowers are funnel-shaped and come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and red. The blooms appear in late spring and early summer in clusters of 1-2 inches.
Care Guide
The Weigela Florida is a low maintenance shrub that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this shrub:- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during dry spells.- Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: The Weigela Florida prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: This shrub prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The Weigela Florida is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Weigela Florida is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to some issues, including:- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide spray.- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling on the leaves. They can be controlled with a miticide.- Scale Insects: These insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can be controlled with horticultural oil.
Habitat
The Weigela Florida is native to East Asia, specifically China, Korea, and Japan. It grows in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, stream banks, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Weigela Florida?
A: Water deeply once a week during dry spells.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize my Weigela Florida?
A: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Q: What pests are attracted to the Weigela Florida?
A: The Weigela Florida is generally pest resistant, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and scale insects.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Weigela Florida?
A: The Weigela Florida is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Related Plants
– Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’- Weigela florida ‘Bristol Ruby’- Weigela florida ‘Carnaval’- Weigela florida ‘Java Red’- Weigela florida ‘Variegata’
References
– “Weigela florida.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 24, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e374.- “Weigela florida.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/20805/Weigela-florida/Details.
