One of the most important and often time-consuming gardening tasks is pruning perennials and shrubs. Planning also determines success, including with Weigeli. If the timing is unfavorable, it may not bloom.
When is it best to cut the weigela?
The ideal time to cut a weigela is immediately after it has bloomed to encourage repeat blooms in the fall. Avoid autumn pruning as this can lead to a lack of flowering. If you are aging, a radical cut in spring is recommended.
When and how best to prune your weigela depends on the condition of the plant and what you want to achieve with the pruning. But it is always important that the weigela blooms on old wood, i.e. on shoots from the previous year.
Weigelias form new buds for the next spring as early as autumn. If these are cut off, the weigela will not bloom. That's why pruning in autumn is generally not recommended. If you have planted weigela as a hedge, then a compromise is necessary because hedges are often pruned in autumn. Be sure to leave enough buds for beautiful blooms next year.
The Rejuvenation Cut
Since the easy-care weigela tends to age, regular pruning is advisable. You don't need to do this rejuvenation cut every year, but about every three years. Then, immediately after flowering, cut off the oldest branches just above the ground or a new shoot. However, only leave strong young shoots that have formed close to the ground.
The Radical Cut
If too much time has passed since the last rejuvenation cut and the abundance of flowers on your weigela is already decreasing, then think about a radical cut. You can do this well in the spring. Shorten all shoots to a length of around 20 centimeters. Of course, the weigela doesn't bloom at all during the cut year.
The most important things in brief:
- ideal: cut back after flowering
- Autumn pruning often leads to a lack of flowering
- pay attention to new buds when cutting in autumn
- Radical cut when aging in spring
Tip
If your weigela is he althy and well grown, then you should not cut the bush back too much immediately after flowering, as it is likely that it will bloom again in autumn.
