Weigela
Weigela florida
Caprifoliaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · introduced
Last updated
Weigela is a deciduous broadleaf shrub from Japan reaching 9-12 ft with erect form and medium growth. It produces funnel-shaped flowers in lavender, pink, red, or white from April to June, blooming on previous season's wood.
Weigela is hardy in zones 4a-8b and thrives in full sun to part shade with moist, adaptable soil (pH 4.5-8.5). Prune immediately after flowering through early summer. It attracts hummingbirds and tolerates clay soil with low-maintenance requirements.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 19, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1342.9 to 1500.8 GDD₃₂. Weigela has passed beginning of flowering (1422 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 19, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,501 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,465 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,441 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,415 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 7 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,390 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 32 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,381 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 42 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,343 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 79 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 NOW | 1422 | — |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Source GDD₅₀ thresholds from Herms 2004 (OSU, Secrest Arboretum, Ohio) and UMD IPMnet (Gill & Klick, mid-Atlantic), converted to GDD₃₂ via Kent bloom-date mapping. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 19, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 5, 2026, then climate normals.