Weigela is a clump plant that has red and pink flowers that can grow to a height of 2 meters. Pruning will help keep the weigela clump in shape, stimulate healthy growth, and improve the plant's ability to flower. If you follow the proper guidelines for pruning weigela, these plants will grow healthy and strong.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Cutting the Weigela Branch
Step 1. Saw off 2-3 secondary stems on mature weigela plants
Cutting the secondary stem will make the plant more lush. Look for 2-3 secondary stems growing near the main stem and use a manual pruning saw to cut them at a 45° angle. Cut as close to the ground as possible.
Cutting the secondary stem will divert the plant's energy to the main stem and to the growth of new shoots that will strengthen the flower
Step 2. Remove the tops of the pods
Seed pods form after the flowers bloom and fall from the plant. Shaped like a flower bud at the end of the weigela stem. Use scissors to cut the shoots just above the lower florets on the plant stem.
- Do not cut more than the length of the stem.
- Make an even cut just above the flower.
- Cutting old flowers will stimulate new and stronger buds. These buds will become healthier flowers the following year.
Step 3. Cut off dead or diseased branches
Look for light gray or brown branches that feel brittle or hollow to the touch. Diseased branches may also have spots or fungus. Cut these branches from the base on the main stem at a 45° angle to make room for new shoots and prevent potential disease spread.
If the center of the branch looks brown or gray, it means the branch is dead
Step 4. Prune the bony branches
Branches that appear weak or thin will most likely never grow flowers. Just cut off these branches from the base on the main stem to stimulate growth in other parts.
Leave strong branches that have few twigs and can grow flowers
Step 5. Cut branches that rub against the main trunk
You should cut branches that rub against or cross the main stem as this can damage the plant. Use cutting shears and cut at the base of the main stem.
Step 6. Prune of the clump to rejuvenate the plant
Do rejuvenating pruning if you want the weigela clump to look young again. Prune all branches, ie by one third, until clumps are as short as 10–25 cm and all that remains is new branches. This pruning is a great way to rejuvenate the plant without needing to buy a new one.
It is recommended that rejuvenating pruning be carried out in late winter
Method 2 of 2: Following the Weigela Pruning Guide
Step 1. Prune weigela in late fall or early spring
Prune weigela clumps after the threat of frost is over, sometime in late fall or early spring. You can prune the weigela before the plant blooms to stimulate more flower growth that year. Otherwise, prune after the blooming season to stimulate the growth of new, stronger shoots the following season.
Weigela should not be pruned after mid-July
Step 2. Never trim the weigela more than a third at a time
Excessive pruning can weaken or even kill weigela. Never prune more than of the plant in a season.
If you have a lot of shoots that need to be removed, do it gradually over several seasons
Step 3. Prune the weigela once a year
Weigela is prone to growing bony, weak branches that have many twigs. Branches like this will detract from the natural beauty of the weigela flower. To prevent bony branches from dominating the plant, prune once a year.
Step 4. Use sharp, sterilized shears
Sharp cuttings will prevent damage during pruning. Wipe the scissors with alcohol after use to prevent the spread of disease to other plants.
If your shears crush or break the stem instead of cutting smoothly, buy a new one
Step 5. Prune branches above the bud to control the direction of growth
The buds pointing up will continue to grow upwards, while the buds pointing down will grow downwards. Cutting branches just above the florets will control the direction in which the florets grow. If you're pruning your plant to keep the weigela looking beautiful, keep this tip in mind.
Tips
- Clean and sanitize cutting tools with isopropyl alcohol before and after use.
- Buy good gardening gloves to wear when pruning. Gloves will protect your hands and strengthen your grip.
