One of the most important and often time-consuming gardening tasks is the pruning of perennials and shrubs. The planning also decides about the success, also with the Weigela. If the timing is unfavorable, it may not flower.
The Weigela is usually cut back in the fall
When and how best to prune your weigela will depend on the condition of the plant and what you want to achieve with the pruning. However, it is always important that the weigela flowers on old wood, i.e. on shoots from the previous year.
As early as autumn, weigela form the new buds for the following spring. If these are cut off, the weigela will not bloom. That is 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 trimmed in autumn. Be sure to leave enough buds for a nice bloom next year.
The taper cut
Since the easy-care weigela tends to age, regular pruning is advisable. You don't need to do this makeover pruning every year, but about every three years. Then, immediately after flowering, cut off the oldest branches just above the ground or a new shoot. But only leave strong young shoots that have formed close to the ground.
The Radical Cut
If too much time has passed since the last pruning and your weigela's blooms are already diminishing, then think about a radical pruning. You can do this in spring. Shorten all shoots to a length of about 20 centimeters. Of course, the weigela does not bloom at all in the year of cutting.
The essentials in brief:
- ideal: pruning after flowering
- Autumn pruning often leads to the absence of flowering
- watch out for new buds when cutting in autumn
- Radical pruning when aging in spring
tips
If your weigela is healthy and has grown well, then you should not cut back the shrub too much immediately after flowering, as a second flowering in autumn is likely.