When to Prune Weigela Shrubs

Weigela (Weigela florida) produces small bright flowers in late spring. This fast-growing shrub, the leaves of which turn yellow in autumn, requires annual trimming to maintain its size and health.

Time Frame

• The best time to prune a weigela shrub is after it finishes blooming in late spring. WSU Whatcom County Extension recommends pruning the plant back by as much as one-third.

Cause

• If you prune before or after this time frame, you may reduce the number of blooms. Weigela sets flowers on 1-year old wood, so pruning before the bloom reduces this year's flowering. By pruning just after bloom, you trim the plant before the growth of new wood that normally would produce the following year's flowers.

Strategy

• The oldest or thickest stems should be trimmed back by one-third to a Y-intersection or to the main trunk in late spring. Hand-held pruning shears are recommended for work within the canopy. You may also trim back branches to keep the shrub's size in control or remove wayward-growing branches.

Considerations

• Some weigelas bloom continuously from late spring to early fall, while others bloom twice in a season. If your weigela blooms twice or continuously, pruning should be postponed until the last flowers fade.