How to Grow Weigela Alexandra
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Weigela Alexandra
Weigela florida 'Alexandra'
shrubWeigela Alexandra is a compact ornamental shrub prized for its deep purple-burgundy foliage and pink tubular flowers that bloom in late spring. This deciduous shrub offers year-round visual interest with dramatic dark leaves and makes an excellent specimen plant or foundation planting. It reaches 4-5 feet tall and wide, making it suitable for smaller landscapes.
When should you plant Weigela Alexandra in your zone?
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Example Weigela Alexandra timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Weigela Alexandra
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 Weigela Alexandra
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 performance in zones 5-7
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Get my Weigela Alexandra timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 12 monthsNewly planted shrub focuses on root development. Growth is slower in first season.
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping it away from stem. Avoid heavy pruning in first year.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summer (months 2-5)Shrub develops multiple stems and burgundy foliage fills in. Compact, mounded form emerges.
Fertilize in early spring with balanced shrub fertilizer. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Remove any weak or crossing branches.
Flowering
Late May through June (4-6 weeks)Abundant pink tubular flowers appear along stems against deep purple foliage. Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Do not fertilize during blooming to avoid reducing flower production. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Provide consistent moisture.
Post-Bloom & Growth
July through AugustFlowers fade; shrub returns to foliage display. Some varieties rebloom if deadheaded. Foliage deepens in color.
Prune immediately after flowering to shape for next season. Light pruning encourages bushier growth. Reduce fertilizer frequency.
Dormancy
September through MarchShrub enters dormancy; leaves drop in fall. Bare stems visible through winter. Burgundy foliage may develop reddish tones before dropping.
No pruning during dormancy. Reduce watering significantly. Protect from harsh winter winds in zone 4. Mulch base for insulation.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, or use pheromone traps away from plant
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Spray with water to dislodge, apply insecticidal soap, or use neem oil in early season
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Increase humidity, spray with water, apply miticide or neem oil if severe
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Improve air circulation, remove affected leaves, apply fungicide if persistent, avoid wetting foliage
Uses
Landscape Specimen & Foundation Plant
OrnamentalWeigela Alexandra serves as an excellent focal point in gardens due to its striking purple-burgundy foliage and pink flowers. Its compact size makes it ideal for foundation plantings, mixed borders, and small yards. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe tubular pink flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators to gardens. It provides nectar in late spring when other food sources are limited. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
CraftFlowering stems can be cut during bloom time for fresh floral arrangements and spring bouquets. The colored foliage also provides visual interest in mixed arrangements. [source]
Four-Season Interest
OrnamentalProvides year-round garden value: pink flowers in spring, lush purple foliage in summer, potential reddish tones in fall, and attractive stem structure in winter. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested. Enjoy foliage and flowers in place. Cut flowering stems for fresh arrangements if desired. Best foliage color display occurs in full sun locations.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Weigela Alexandra was named after Queen Alexandra of Denmark and is also sometimes called 'Alexandra' cultivar, representing a deliberate breeding choice to honor royalty.
- 🌱 Unlike the species Weigela florida which has green foliage, the 'Alexandra' cultivar was selected specifically for its deep burgundy to purple leaf color, which intensifies in full sun.
- 🌱 The tubular flowers are perfectly adapted for hummingbird pollination and can bloom again if heavily deadheaded, though the first flush in late spring is typically the most prolific.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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