Species weigela Guide

weigela

Weigela 'Dark Horse'

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

purple,black

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Weigela 'Dark Horse' should be watered deeply once per week. This species needs up to 2 inches of water per week, depending on weather conditions. Make sure to check the soil before watering, and only water if the soil is dry. Prior to and after watering, it's a good practice to check the overall moisture content of the soil by sticking your finger 2-3 inches into the soil. If the top of the soil is dry but the deeper layers are still moist, then skip a watering session. It is important not to over-water this species, as it can lead to root rot.

sunlight

Weigela 'Dark Horse' prefers full sun for the best growth and flowering. Plant it in a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day for the best flowering. This sun-loving plant can still grow successfully in partial shade, but it may not bloom as profusely as it would in full sun. If your plant is not getting enough direct sunlight, you can move it to a sunnier spot, or supplement the sunlight with artificial lighting.

pruning

Weigela 'Dark Horse' should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before the start of the active growing season. Pruning will help promote healthy flowers, shapes and branch structure. Remove dead, damaged and diseased branches. Additionally, remove any branches that cross over each other to improve air circulation inside the plant. You can also use pruning to encourage the growth of new stems by cutting inwards at a 45-degree angle towards the outside of the plant. You can also shorten the stems to a preferred size or shape, however avoid cutting too far into the woody part of the stem. This species generally requires light pruning, removing no more than 30 to 40 percent of the stem. Pruning Weigela 'Dark Horse' in late winter or early spring will help ensure abundant bloom and colorful foliage.