Weigela (Weigela florida 'Pink Princess')
The Weigela florida 'Pink Princess' is a low-maintenance deciduous shrub boasting lilac-pink blooms from April to June, ideal for hedges.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Weigela florida ‘Pink Princess’ offers outstanding spring color, making it a highly valuable addition to many landscapes. This deciduous shrub features masses of funnel-shaped, lilac-pink flowers that bloom profusely in late spring, attracting appreciative wildlife. It is appreciated by gardeners for its relatively low maintenance needs and reliable performance across several hardiness zones.
This specific cultivar, Weigela florida ‘Pink Princess’, is valued for maintaining a compact, manageable size compared to some larger Weigela species, typically topping out around 5 to 6 feet tall and wide. Its dense, rounded habit provides excellent structure in the garden from early spring through fall.
Beyond its stunning flowers, the Weigela provides foundational structure perfect for property margins or mixed borders. Its ease of growth and tolerance for various conditions mean that even novice gardeners can successfully cultivate this attractive flowering shrub.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 5-6 ft
- Spread: 5-6 ft
- Bloom Time: April to June
- Bloom Description: Lilac-pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting should occur in well-drained soil, ideally during the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. Weigela florida ‘Pink Princess’ thrives best when situated in full sun, which ensures the most abundant flowering and best foliage color. While it can tolerate light or dappled shade, flowering will be significantly reduced in shadier locations.
Care for this Weigela is generally straightforward. It prefers average, medium moisture levels; consistent watering is important during dry spells, though established plants show good drought resilience once rooted. Minimal fertilization is usually required unless the soil is extremely poor.
Pruning is necessary to maintain shape and encourage dense growth. Always perform shaping or size reduction immediately after the main flowering period concludes in early summer. Avoid late-season pruning, as this removes the developing buds for the following spring display.
For propagation, stem cuttings are an effective method for increasing your stock of this beautiful Weigela. Its general hardiness means winter preparation is usually minimal, focusing primarily on those essential post-bloom pruning cuts.
Landscape Uses
The uniform size and dense structure of Weigela florida ‘Pink Princess’ make it an excellent choice for formal or informal hedging needs. When planted in a row, they create a beautiful, flowering screen that offers seasonal privacy along property margins. This shrub also performs admirably as a foundational planting near structures where its moderate size will not overwhelm the architecture.
For border plantings, group several Weigela together to maximize the impact of the lilac-pink blooms in spring. They pair well with later-blooming perennials or shrubs that provide contrasting foliage texture or color throughout the summer after the Weigela has finished its show. Consider pairing with dark green evergreens to highlight the bright spring flowers.
This versatile shrub also functions perfectly as a specimen plant in a mixed shrub border or as a robust filler plant. Its medium size and low maintenance profile ensure that areas planted with Weigela florida ‘Pink Princess’ remain attractive with minimal ongoing effort.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Weigela florida is native to northern China, Korea and Japan. It is a dense, rounded, deciduous shrub that typically grows to 6-10’ tall and may spread over time to as much as 12’ wide. The species features funnel-shaped, rose pink flowers that bloom profusely in spring, with a sparse repeat bloom sometimes occurring later in summer. The cultivar Weigela florida ‘Pink Princess’ is notably more compact, fitting nicely into smaller spaces while still offering beautiful funnel-shaped lilac-pink flowers. Flowers produced by the Weigela are attractive to hummingbirds.
Tolerances
- Clay Soil
Potential Problems
The Weigela florida ‘Pink Princess’ benefits gardeners by suffering from no serious insect or disease problems. This resistance significantly contributes to its low maintenance rating. General pest monitoring is always advisable, but chemical treatments are rarely necessary for successfully established plantings. Ensure placement in full sun to maximize air circulation, which naturally deters common fungal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Weigela suitable for?
The Weigela variety, Weigela florida ‘Pink Princess’, is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Weigela florida ‘Pink Princess’ grow?
This compact cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 5 and 6 feet, with a spread ranging from 5 to 6 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Weigela need?
For optimal performance, including the best flowering display, Weigela florida ‘Pink Princess’ requires planting in full sun conditions.
When does Weigela bloom?
The primary bloom time for this stunning shrub is from April through June, presenting beautiful lilac-pink flowers.
Conclusion
The Weigela florida ‘Pink Princess’ stands out as a reliable, visually rewarding shrub perfect for foundational plantings, screens, and borders. Its combination of low maintenance, attractive seasonal blooms, and versatile size makes the Weigela a garden favorite. Before planting, confirm your garden resides within USDA zones 4-8 and that you can provide a sunny location to ensure success with your new Weigela florida ‘Pink Princess’.
Companion Planting
When designing garden beds around your Weigela florida ‘Pink Princess’, focus on contrasting textures and bloom times. Plants that prefer similar sun and medium moisture levels thrive alongside this shrub. Consider pairing it with late-season bloomers like Coneflowers (Echinacea) or Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) to maintain color interest once the Weigela’s spring flush fades.
For background structure, evergreens with fine needles or broad, dark leaves, such as dwarf Mugo Pines or certain Hydrangeas, offer excellent contrast to the broad, medium green leaves of the Weigela. These companions help frame the spring flowers beautifully.
Propagation Tips
Propagating Weigela florida ‘Pink Princess’ is most successfully achieved using semi-hardwood stem cuttings taken in mid to late summer. Select healthy, non-flowering stems that are about 4 to 6 inches long. Dip the base of the cutting into rooting hormone to significantly increase the success rate.
After applying hormone, place the cuttings into a well-draining propagation mix, typically a blend of perlite and peat or sterile sand. Keep the cuttings consistently moist and placed in a location with bright, indirect light, avoiding harsh direct sun which can cause desiccation. With patience, new roots will form, providing you with new, genetically identical Weigela specimens for future landscape installations.
