Weigela Propagation: How To Start A Weigela Bush From Cuttings

Weigela has several uses in the home landscape. In addition to its sheer beauty, large plantings of this shrub can be used to create lovely deer-resistant privacy hedges. While most cultivars bloom in brilliant shades of pink, some do produce white or deep red flowers. Weigela plants can be found in most garden centers, however, selection may be limited to only popular varieties. Fortunately, weigela propagation is fairly simple. Learning more about how to propagate weigela can help to multiply your plants and/or to root more rare or hard to find types. 

How to Propagate Weigela

Weigela bush propagation can be achieved through both hardwood and softwood cuttings. However, each of these weigela plant propagation techniques will be somewhat different. Below, we will take a more in-depth look at starting weigela from cuttings. 

Hardwood Weigela Propagation

Hardwood propagation can be successfully used on many different varieties of hardwood trees and shrubs. Gardeners taking hardwood weigela cuttings most commonly do so just after the arrival of the first frost in the fall, or in the very early spring before the plant begins to leaf out. 

To take cuttings, select stems that are roughly 12 inches (30 cm) in length. After the soft growth has been removed from the tip, pieces can be trimmed to even smaller lengths. For best results, experts suggest carefully making a cut just below a bud pair. The cuttings can then be dipped in rooting hormone, though it is not necessary. 

Cuttings can be inserted directly into garden soil or secured into containers, depending upon the grower’s preference. Though cuttings can be left outside at this time, it will be important to ensure that they are not allowed to dry out completely. Success and time needed for hardwood weigela propagation can vary greatly depending upon conditions in the garden.

Softwood Weigela Propagation

Softwood weigela bush propagation is usually done in early summer. Selected stems for cutting should be healthy and show no signs of disease or insect damage. To prepare cuttings for use, the soft growing tip is removed. This tip is often too fragile to root and may actually cause the cutting to rot or lose water more rapidly.

Just as in the hardwood technique, softwood weigela plant propagation requires that a cut is made just below a pair of leaves. The two bottom leaves are then removed. At this time, new cuttings can be dipped into rooting hormone before being moved into a container filled with potting soil or another preferred growing medium. 

New cuttings can be left outdoors in a sheltered location until signs of rooting become apparent. During this time, make certain that the container is not allowed to dry completely. Results of the process should become apparent within about 4-6 weeks.