Not every Weigela variety is a good fit for container gardening. If you’re looking to spruce up your patio, you’ll want to stick with the smaller, dwarf species. Let’s dive into which varieties work best and what you need to know to keep them happy in a pot.
Which Weigela varieties work best in containers?
Standard varieties, like the Common Weigela, can tower up to 11 feet tall—definitely not something you want cramped on a balcony! Instead, you’ll want to look for “dwarf” or “compact” varieties. Some of my favorites for pots include:
- All Summer Red
- Nana Variegata
- Monet
- Black and White
If you have your heart set on a larger variety like the ‘Bristol Ruby,’ just keep in mind you’ll need a massive pot. Even then, after about four years, you’ll likely need to give the roots a serious prune or transplant it into the garden to keep it from outgrowing its home.
What should you keep in mind when planting?
The biggest “no-no” for Weigelas is wet feet. They hate standing water, and container plants are especially at risk for root rot. Make sure your pot has plenty of drainage holes and add a layer of gravel or clay pebbles at the bottom for drainage. As for placement, these beauties crave the sun. If they’re stuck in the shade, they won’t bloom nearly as well.
How do you care for a potted Weigela?
Since nutrients wash out of pots faster than the ground, you’ll need to fertilize regularly. You can skip it for the first few weeks after planting, but from April through July, give them a steady supply of plant food. Once the flowers start to fade, it’s time for a trim. This is also a great time to prune the root ball slightly to keep the plant rejuvenated.
How do you overwinter a Weigela in a pot?
Even though they are hardy, a potted Weigela needs a little extra TLC in the winter to protect its roots from freezing. I recommend placing the pot on a wooden pallet or a piece of foam and wrapping the container in burlap, fleece, or bubble wrap. Also, don’t forget to check the soil—the root ball shouldn’t dry out completely, so give it a light watering on milder winter days if needed.
