Striking bronze-purple foliage with a profusion of hot-pink flowers from late spring to early summer. Height 1.2m. Spread 1.5m. Flowers May to June. Full sun/part shade, moist well drained soil. Hardy.
Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ is a striking deciduous shrub admired for its deep bronze-purple foliage and vibrant hot-pink trumpet-shaped flowers. With a mature height of 1.2m and spread of 1.5m, it makes a fantastic addition to mixed borders, cottage gardens, or as a feature shrub. Follow this care guide to get the best from your Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ and enjoy years of stunning seasonal interest.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The ideal time to plant Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ is in spring. This gives the plant ample time to establish roots and settle into the soil ahead of the growing season.
Autumn: You can also plant Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ in early autumn, which allows it to acclimatise and develop a strong root system before the dormant period.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ flourishes in full sun to partial shade. A position with plenty of light will enhance foliage colour and increase flower production.
Soil: Plant in fertile, moist, but well-drained soil. Weigela is tolerant of a range of soil types as long as drainage is adequate. Enrich the planting area with compost or well-rotted organic matter to encourage healthy growth.
Planting Instructions
Dig the Hole: Prepare a hole twice the width and equal in depth to the shrub’s root ball.
Prepare the Soil: Mix compost into the removed soil to improve texture and nutrient content.
Planting: Position Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ in the centre of the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently and firm down to eliminate air pockets.
Water Thoroughly: Water generously after planting to help the roots establish and settle the soil.
Watering Requirements
During Growth: Keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season. Once established, Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from watering during extended dry spells.
During Dormancy: Reduce watering during late autumn and winter. Only water when the soil becomes excessively dry.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a general-purpose slow-release fertiliser around the base of Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ in early spring to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
Mid-Summer: A light feed after flowering can encourage a second flush of blooms and maintain foliage health.
Pruning
After Flowering: Prune Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ immediately after flowering in early summer. Remove faded flower heads and trim back up to one-third of the plant to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Thinning: Every few years, remove older woody stems at the base to rejuvenate the shrub and encourage a fresh flush of flowering stems.
Mulching
Spring Mulch: Add a layer of organic mulch (such as composted bark or well-rotted manure) around the base in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility.
Winter Protection: Although hardy, mulching also offers added root protection during cold snaps and improves soil structure over time.
Supporting the Plant
Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ generally has a sturdy growth habit and does not require staking. However, in very exposed locations, young shrubs may benefit from support until they are fully established.
Final Tips
Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ is a low-maintenance shrub that rewards with bold foliage and masses of vibrant pink blooms from late spring. Plant it in a sunny to partially shaded spot with moist, well-drained soil for the best results. With minimal care, Weigela will enhance your garden with long-lasting seasonal interest and structural beauty. Regular pruning and feeding will keep your Weigela healthy, compact, and flowering profusely year after year.
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