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Weigela does not bloom, which means the plant is in uncomfortable conditions. This ornamental shrub is characterized by abundant long-term flowering, therefore, when very few flowers bloom on the plant or they do not appear at all, you need to try to find out why this is happening. In each case, the solution may be different, since there are several reasons for the lack of flowers in this plant.
When does weigela bloom?
There are many varieties of weigela, differing from each other in flowering time. The shrub blooms when the danger of frost has passed. On early varieties, buds appear in early May, and some varieties bloom only in the second half of summer. In our country, several varieties are grown with the following flowering dates:
- Weigela Middendorf - early May and September;
- early weigela – early May;
- flowering weigela – May-June;
- weigela Nana Variegata – June-July;
- weigela Nana Purpurea - May-June;
- Weigela profusely blooming – May.
The climate has a great influence on the quality of flowering of this crop: the light-loving, drought-resistant shrub blooms more abundantly and longer the more warm, dry, sunny days there are in a season.In conditions of a short, cold summer, the flowering time of weigela may shift and shorten, and autumn flowering may not occur at all.
How long does weigela bloom?
Usually the shrub blooms for quite a long time, about 3–4 weeks, but there are varieties with longer (up to a month) flowering. The peak of the decorative value of the shrub occurs in the summer season.
Weigela blooming twice per season is not uncommon, but in the fall it blooms less abundantly and for a longer period of time than in the spring. The second wave of flowering is possible only in some varieties under favorable weather conditions and good care.
Why weigela does not bloom and what to do
This plant is quite demanding in terms of growing conditions and violations of agricultural technology primarily affect flowering. When negative factors are eliminated, the flowering of the bush is completely restored.
Violation of landing rules
Possible reasons for the lack of flowering of weigela may be associated with the following planting errors:
- a shaded place is chosen or the shrub is planted in a windy area;
- the soil is prone to waterlogging, shallow groundwater;
- the soil is too dense and does not allow air to pass through;
- the soil is highly acidic and poor in mineral and organic substances;
- wrong variety selected.
Shrubs should be planted in open, unshaded areas, protected from cold winds. Some varieties can grow in diffuse sunlight, for example, next to large trees with a loose crown. However, in the shade, weigela develops poorly, flowering may be sparse, occur at a later date, or may be completely absent.In strong winds, the bush may not bloom only because air currents tear off the delicate fragile buds. The situation can be corrected by providing the shrub with sufficient lighting and protecting it from strong drafts.
The shrub feels good, which means it blooms profusely in light, fertile soils. Stagnant water is detrimental to its root system, so drainage must be placed in the planting hole, and sometimes drainage systems are installed.
A substrate that does not allow air to pass through can also cause a lack of flowers, so when preparing the soil, dig it well and, if necessary, add river sand. In the future, it is recommended to regularly loosen or mulch the tree trunk circles.
Poor soils are well fertilized before planting by adding organic and mineral fertilizers. Too acidic substrate is limed.
Weigela may not bloom due to an incorrectly selected variety, if the climate does not meet the needs of the plant.
Violation of the rules of care
The reasons why weigela may bloom sparingly or not bloom at all may lie in errors in caring for the shrub. Most often the problem occurs in the following cases:
- violation of watering rules;
- improper feeding;
- violation of pruning rules;
- irregular loosening or lack thereof.
Weigela is very sensitive to soil moisture. Long-term stagnation of water at the roots of a plant can result in a deterioration in the growing season and a decrease in abundance, or even the cessation of flowering. On the other hand, drying out the soil harms flowering and vegetation no less than overwatering.With a chronic lack of moisture, the plant will not have the strength to produce abundant buds.
The shrub needs feeding to stimulate the growth of green mass and the formation of buds. If there is a lack of minerals in the soil, weigela may also not bloom.
Quite often, the lack of flowering is explained by the fact that inexperienced gardeners, in the process of annual pruning of shrubs, unknowingly remove branches on which buds form. If you prune in the fall and remove last year's shoots, you may not wait for the bush to bloom, so formative pruning of weigels is carried out only in the spring.
They loosen the weigela deeply, on the bayonet of a shovel. If the bush is not mulched, it is advisable to do this after each watering. Mulching allows you to reduce the amount of irrigation, enrich the soil with nutrients and prevent the appearance of a dense layer around the bush. However, even in this case, loosening is necessary. Before the procedure, the mulch is removed and then returned to its place.
Pests or diseases
This ornamental shrub gets sick infrequently, but damage to the plantings by pests or diseases can also be the reason why the plant does not bloom.
Aphids can cause great harm - they feed on the sap of the bush, and their colonies can weaken the crop so much that flowering stops. Chlorophos can be used against the invasion of these pests, but folk remedies are also suitable: a solution of soap or alcohol, an aqueous infusion of garlic or onion.
Spider mites, caterpillars and thrips also take away the strength of weigela. Pesticides work well with them; a less harmful alternative can be natural remedies - wormwood, shag or hot pepper infused in water.
The cockchafer and mole crickets damage the roots, which not only negatively affects the flowering of weigela, but can also have more serious consequences for the plant. The drug Aktara will help get rid of these pests.
Weigela can be affected by fungal and bacterial diseases, such as gray mold and rust. These ailments can be treated; treatment with a mixture of copper sulfate and milk of lime (Bordeaux mixture) will be required.
One of the most serious diseases of weigela is root canker, which not only stops the flowering of the plant, but also leads to its death. Agronomists have not yet learned how to fight it, so diseased bushes are burned to prevent the spread of the disease.
Conclusion
Weigela does not bloom mainly because the technology for its cultivation is disrupted. With proper planting and quality care, this delicate shrub will delight the eye with long, abundant flowering for many years.
