Weigela japonica

Family: Caprifoliaceae

What it is like

Weigela japonica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 5

Where it is found

A rare plant, grwing on sunny hills and in mountains at elevations of 100 - 1800 metres.

E. Asia - C. and S. Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

Salve. Used as a wash for virulent sores.

Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.

Other

Rating:

Plants can be grown as a hedge.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, succeeding in most fertile soils. Prefers a moist well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Tolerates atmospheric pollution. Plants are very floriferous and can exhaust themselves, literally flowering themselves to death. The flowers are borne in the leaf nodes of the previous years growth and any pruning is therefore best done as soon as the plant has finished flowering. There are some named forms selected for their ornamental value. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise in late winter or early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Softwood basal cuttings, 10 - 12cm long, in a sandy soil in a cold frame in early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 8 - 10 cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth. 20 cm long, November in a sheltered outdoor nursery bed.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The leaves are slightly toxic.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Diervilla japonica. D. versicolor.