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How to Prune Weigela

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W[ all weigela ]igela require pruning to control their size. This isn't necessary of [all weigela](https://www.gardenguides.com/70063-prune-weigela-bushes.html) shrubs--only those you desire to keep a uniform appearance. Being that weigela is a flowering shrub, however, you must use care not to prune away the buds that produce next year's flowers. Pruning before the spring bloom removes any prospective blooms, but waiting too late in the fall means the buds have already formed. Timing is more important than technique if you want to keep your weigela shrubs attractive and flowering.

Inspect the plant in early spring before the flowers open. Prune off all dead and broken branches that didn't survive winter. Use sharp pruning shears. Trim right above the location of the leaf bud to encourage lateral branching.

  • Weigela require pruning to control their size.
  • Timing is more important than technique if you want to keep your weigela shrubs attractive and flowering.

Wait until the shrub stops producing new flowers before pruning it back. Avoid waiting much longer than that, as new buds begin appearing in late summer.

Trim back each branch no more than one-third of its length. Cut each branch at a 45-degree angle with your pruning shears, making sure to leave some live leaves on each branch.

Thin out areas that have become too dense. Cut off branches in the cluster with the least amount of leaves all the way to the main stem.

Complete pruning by shaping the plant evenly. Trim the outer branches to similar lengths to give the weigela a full, symmetrical appearance.

  • Wait until the shrub stops producing new flowers before pruning it back.
  • Cut off branches in the cluster with the least amount of leaves all the way to the main stem.

Prune A Weigela Bush In The Fall?

By the time fall arrives, springtime's explosion of weigela (Weigela spp.) blossoms may seem like a distant memory. Regular pruning keeps weigelas attractive and flowerful, but leave your pruners idle this time of year. Depending on your pruning goals, different tasks call for different approaches. Proper timing makes the difference in your success. Before you dive into your weigela, have a clear pruning goal in mind. Many weigelas offer colorful foliage, but prolific spring floral displays remain their top draw. Each summer, the next spring's flower buds form all along its branches. Right after flowering ends each year, prune branches that flowered back to a healthy set of lateral shoots. Still time your pruning with heavy spring blooms in mind. Radical rejuvenation entails cutting the entire plant back to about 10 inches high. Wear heavy gloves, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and protective eyewear when you prune. Larger stems take lopping shears or a pruning saw.

  • By the time fall arrives, springtime's explosion of weigela (Weigela spp.)
  • Regular pruning keeps weigelas attractive and flowerful, but leave your pruners idle this time of year.

Tip

Trim yearly to easily maintain the shrub's shape.

Warning

Do not prune if flower buds have already appeared if you want full flowering next year.

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