Weigela (Weigela florida 'Walweigeye' EYECATCHER)
Weigela florida 'Walweigeye' EYECATCHER is a compact Weigela shrub featuring striking variegated foliage. Grow this low-maintenance plant in full sun for best results.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Weigela florida ‘Walweigeye’ EYECATCHER is a highly valued addition to modern landscapes, prized for its compact habit and exceptional foliage display. Unlike larger Weigela varieties, this cultivar stays neatly sized, making it perfect for smaller garden spaces or defined borders where space management is crucial. Its primary ornamental feature is the showy, oval, variegated leaves, which shift between bright golden-yellow and medium green centers.
This deciduous shrub offers vibrant color throughout the growing season, complemented by a flush of bright rose-red flowers typically appearing from April through June. As a low-maintenance plant, the Weigela offers significant visual impact with minimal fuss, blooming reliably under appropriate conditions while attracting hummingbirds to the garden space.
Discovered as a branch sport of ‘Rubidor’, Weigela florida ‘Walweigeye’ EYECATCHER retains the resilience of the species while offering superior compact architecture and highly desirable coloration. Experienced gardeners look for opportunities to plant this Weigela where its unique leaf pattern can be fully appreciated as an accent piece.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: April to June
- Bloom Description: Rose-red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Weigela florida ‘Walweigeye’ EYECATCHER in spring or fall, ensuring the selected location provides excellent drainage, which this shrub requires to thrive. While it prefers full sun for optimal flowering and foliage intensity, be aware that intense, hot afternoon sun in summer climates might cause slight leaf scorch; therefore, light or dappled shade will enhance the variegated color while preventing leaf burn. This plant is conveniently tolerant of various soil types, including challenging clay soils, provided moisture levels are maintained.
Care is straightforward for this low-maintenance Weigela. Water consistently to maintain medium moisture, especially when establishing the root system or during dry spells. Fertilization is generally not required if the soil quality is average. Pruning should be done strictly immediately after the main spring bloom concludes if shaping is necessary; avoid late-season pruning, as this removes potential future flower buds.
For propagation, stem cuttings offer a reliable means of creating new plants, successfully doubling your collection of this rewarding shrub. When planting Weigela florida ‘Walweigeye’ EYECATCHER, remember its need for bright light to maintain vibrant foliage, which is its signature characteristic.
Landscape Uses
The compact dimensions of Weigela florida ‘Walweigeye’ EYECATCHER make it exceptionally versatile for formal and informal designs. Use it effectively along property margins, as a low foundation planting bordering a home, or massed together to create a brightly colored, dense hedge that remains manageable. Its unique foliage also shines when planted near darker green shrubs, providing crucial contrast.
This variety is an excellent choice for mixed borders where continuous texture is desired, or when you need a reliable edging plant that offers seasonal blooms. Furthermore, its size suits container gardening well, allowing urban gardeners to enjoy the beauty of this Weigela on patios or balconies, provided medium water needs are consistently met.
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 specific epithet florida means “freely flowering,” in reference to the flowering habit of this species. EYECATCHER is a much more compact shrub that typically grows to only 2-3’ tall and as wide, noted for producing showy, oval, variegated, bright golden-yellow leaves with irregular medium green centers. Flowers attract hummingbirds, significantly boosting garden biodiversity through late spring.
Tolerances
- Clay Soil
Potential Problems
This Weigela variety generally exhibits excellent resistance, reporting no serious insect or disease problems under standard garden conditions. Good cultural practices, particularly ensuring sharp drainage and avoiding excessive overhead watering, will help keep the foliage healthy throughout the season. Monitor for opportunistic pests, but severe infestations requiring chemical intervention are rare for established Weigela florida ‘Walweigeye’ EYECATCHER.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Weigela florida ‘Walweigeye’ EYECATCHER suitable for?
The Weigela florida ‘Walweigeye’ EYECATCHER is hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 8, making it adaptable to a wide range of North American climates.
How large does Weigela florida ‘Walweigeye’ EYECATCHER grow?
This compact cultivar typically reaches a manageable height and spread of 2 to 3 feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces compared to standard Weigela species.
When does Weigela bloom?
This shrub produces its attractive rose-red flowers primarily in the late spring and early summer, blooming profusely from April until June.
What sun exposure does Weigela need?
Full sun exposure is recommended for the best flowering and richest foliage color, though partial shade is tolerated, especially in hot climates.
Conclusion
The Weigela florida ‘Walweigeye’ EYECATCHER is an exceptional foundation or border plant, delivering reliable low-maintenance care combined with spectacular golden-yellow variegated foliage. By understanding its preference for sun and its easygoing nature regarding soil types, gardeners can successfully integrate this compact specimen into nearly any landscape plan. Confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 4-8 before purchasing to ensure the longevity and continued vibrancy of your new Weigela.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions for Weigela florida ‘Walweigeye’ EYECATCHER involves pairing plants that share similar light and water needs, while providing contrasting textures or colors. Because this Weigela offers bright yellow variegation, planting it near deep purple foliage like certain Heuchera varieties (Coral Bells) or dark-leaved Ajuga creates stunning contrast. Consider pairing it with other spring/early summer bloomers like early blooming Alliums or low-growing Geraniums that don’t compete heavily for root space. Ensure companions also appreciate medium moisture and well-drained soil conditions.
Design Ideas for Compact Shrubs
The small footprint of Weigela EYECATCHER allows it to anchor small garden vignettes effectively, moving beyond just simple hedging. Use a row of these planted 2 feet apart near a pathway to create a highly detailed, low screen that doesn’t obscure sightlines. Alternatively, plant one or two specimens near an entryway to provide year-round structure, using the bright foliage as a permanent focal point that needs minimal summer pruning. For modern designs, repeat the plant in large, dark-colored containers to maximize the impact of the golden variegation against the container material.
