How to Grow Don Egolf Weigela
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Don Egolf Weigela
Weigela florida 'Don Egolf'
shrubDon Egolf is a compact deciduous shrub prized for its vibrant red flowers and dark burgundy foliage that provides season-long color. This cultivar reaches 4-5 feet in height and width, making it ideal for smaller landscapes and foundation plantings. It blooms prolifically in spring and offers scattered rebloom throughout the growing season.
When should you plant Don Egolf Weigela in your zone?
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Example Don Egolf Weigela timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Don Egolf 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 Don Egolf 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; best performance in zones 5-7
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Get my Don Egolf Weigela timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 6-12 monthsYoung plant with minimal branching, foliage emerging in spring
Water regularly to establish deep roots. Mulch around base. Protect from extreme heat first year.
Vegetative Growth
Year 1-2Branching increases, dark burgundy foliage develops fully, plant fills in
Prune lightly to encourage bushier shape. Fertilize in early spring with balanced shrub fertilizer.
Flowering (Spring)
4-6 weeks, typically April-MayDense clusters of tubular red flowers appear on branch tips, dark foliage provides contrast
Do not prune during flower display. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage rebloom. No fertilizer needed.
Rebloom & Summer
June-AugustScattered secondary flowers appear throughout summer, foliage remains deep burgundy
Water during hot, dry periods. Can lightly prune after spring bloom. Maintain shape as needed.
Dormancy
November-MarchFoliage fades, branches become woody and bare in fall/winter
No pruning in fall; prune in early spring before growth. Mulch for winter protection in zone 4.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning, use row covers, apply neem oil or spinosad as needed
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, introduce ladybugs
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Increase humidity with watering, use miticide if severe, prune heavily infested branches
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Prune affected branches, apply horticultural oil in dormant season
Uses
Spring Flower Display
OrnamentalDon Egolf produces masses of tubular red flowers in spring, creating a stunning focal point in landscapes. The dark burgundy foliage contrasts beautifully with the bright red blooms, making this cultivar a premium choice for garden beds and borders. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdThe flowering branches make excellent cut flower arrangements for indoor decoration, providing weeks of color. The long, sturdy stems and lasting flower quality make them ideal for both formal and casual bouquets. [source]
Pollinator Garden Plant
WildlifeThe abundant tubular red flowers attract hummingbirds and bees throughout the blooming season. This shrub serves as an excellent nectar source for pollinator gardens and supports biodiversity. [source]
Foliage Interest
OrnamentalBeyond flowers, Don Egolf offers deep burgundy foliage from spring through fall, providing color and texture even when not in bloom. This dark foliage color is unusual among weigelas and adds garden interest season-long. [source]
Landscape Foundation & Border Planting
HouseholdWith its compact 4-5 foot size and rounded form, Don Egolf is perfect for foundation plantings, shrub borders, and mixed perennial beds. It requires minimal pruning to maintain its naturally attractive shape. [source]
Harvest Tips
This ornamental shrub is not harvested for food. Enjoy flowers in situ or cut branches for indoor arrangements. Cut flowers last 5-7 days in water. Cut stems in early morning when turgor is highest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Don Egolf was named after Don Egolf, a renowned plant breeder at the U.S. National Arboretum who developed many important ornamental cultivars
- 🌱 Unlike many weigelas, Don Egolf produces tubular flowers that are specifically shaped to attract hummingbirds, making it a hummingbird magnet in spring gardens
- 🌱 The dark burgundy foliage of Don Egolf is a naturally occurring mutation that has been stabilized through selection, making it one of the darkest-leaved weigela cultivars available
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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