How to Grow Burgundy Princess Weigela
Burgundy Princess Weigela
Weigela florida 'Burgundy Princess'
shrubBurgundy Princess Weigela is a compact ornamental shrub prized for its burgundy-tinged foliage and pink tubular flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. This deciduous shrub combines attractive dark foliage with showy flowers, making it an excellent choice for borders, hedges, and foundation plantings. The plant typically grows 4-5 feet tall and wide with a dense, rounded habit.
When should you plant Burgundy Princess Weigela in your zone?
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Example Burgundy Princess Weigela timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Burgundy Princess Weigela
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Burgundy Princess Weigela
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, with best color development in cooler climates
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Get my Burgundy Princess Weigela timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 12 monthsYoung shrub with emerging branches and minimal flowering; foliage is developing burgundy coloration
Water regularly to establish deep root system. Prune lightly to shape. Avoid heavy pruning first year.
Vegetative Growth
Months 12-24Shrub develops fuller branching structure with increasingly burgundy-tinged leaves; minor flowering may occur
Continue regular watering. Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base.
Flowering
4-6 weeksAbundant pink tubular flowers appear on branch tips; burgundy foliage provides striking contrast; typically occurs in May-June
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooming. Do not prune heavily during flowering; prune immediately after blooms fade.
Summer Growth
June-SeptemberPlant enters dormant flowering phase with lush burgundy foliage; occasional secondary flowers may appear
Water during dry periods. Monitor for pests. Light shaping can be done but avoid major pruning.
Dormancy
October-MarchLeaves may change color in fall; shrub enters dormant phase in late fall and winter
Reduce watering. No pruning in late fall. Do not fertilize. In cold zones, provide mulch around base.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Increase humidity around plant.
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Spray with water; apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Hand-pick early morning. Use pheromone traps. Apply neem oil or pyrethrin-based insecticides if severe.
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Prune out heavily infested branches. Spray with horticultural oil in dormant season or during crawler stage.
Uses
Ornamental Landscaping
HouseholdBurgundy Princess Weigela serves as an excellent specimen plant, hedge, or foundation shrub. Its colorful foliage and abundant spring flowers provide multi-season interest in gardens and landscapes. [source]
Cut Flowers
HouseholdFresh branches with pink flowers make attractive floral arrangements and bring spring color indoors. Cut stems in early morning for best vase life. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe tubular pink flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it valuable for pollinator gardens. Provides nectar source during spring bloom period. [source]
Screen and Privacy Hedge
HouseholdWhen planted in groups, Burgundy Princess Weigela creates an attractive privacy screen or informal hedge. Dense branching provides year-round structure. [source]
Garden Design Feature
CraftThe contrasting burgundy foliage with pink flowers makes it a focal point in garden designs. Pairs well with spring bulbs and complements other shrubs. [source]
Harvest Tips
Weigela is ornamental; no harvesting for food. Prune immediately after flowering (late June/early July) to remove dead wood and maintain shape. Cut branches can be used in floral arrangements. Do not prune after late July as this removes next year's flower buds.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Weigela was named after the 18th-century German botanist and physician Christian Ehrenfried Weigel. The genus is native to East Asia but has been extensively cultivated and hybridized in Europe and North America.
- 🌱 Burgundy Princess is a sport (genetic mutation) of another Weigela variety, discovered as a chance variation with enhanced burgundy foliage coloration that deepens with exposure to sunlight.
- 🌱 The name 'Burgundy' refers to the deep wine-colored foliage, which develops best when the plant receives full sun; shade-grown plants display lighter, greener leaves with less burgundy coloration.
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