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Weigela belongs to the Honeysuckle family. Distribution area: Far East, Sakhalin, Siberia. It is found on the edges of cedar thickets, on rocky slopes, and along the banks of reservoirs. Wild varieties formed the basis of numerous varieties. Weigela Nana Variegata is a hybrid representative of culture created for landscape design.
Description of weigela Nana Variegata
Weigela Nana Variegata is a low deciduous shrub designed for cultivation in regions with temperate climates. The hybrid is less resistant to frost than the wild species used as a basis. It tolerates temperatures down to -30 0C without damaging the root system. The indicator is not bad, but without insulation, young seedlings are unlikely to survive the winter.
The plant has high drought resistance. Can go without water for a long period. Low air humidity is perceived normally by the shrub; moisture deficiency does not affect the decorative habit. A high rate can lead to the development of bacterial or fungal infections.
Weigela Variegata grows slowly, the growth of the crop is insignificant, no more than 20 cm per year. Hybrid forms bloom earlier than varietal representatives - in the fourth year of the growing season. At 5 years of age, the crop is considered mature and no longer produces height growth. Belongs to perennial plants, the biological cycle of weigela Nana Variegata is 35 years.
Description of weigela Nana Variegata (pictured):
- The shrub is formed by numerous shoots of dark brown color. It reaches a height of 1.5 m, the shape of the crown is broadly oval, the diameter is up to 2 m. The bush is spreading, the tops of the shoots are slightly drooping.
- Decorative shrub with dense foliage. Leaves with an unusual color: the central part is dark green, along the edge there is a beige stripe. Each design on a separate sheet plate is unique. The leaves of the plant are oppositely located, finely toothed along the edges with a sharp apex, with a network of veins and the absence of a petiole.
- The root system is superficial, mixed, spreading widely to the sides.
- The seed pods are small, containing two seeds with lionfish.
How weigela variegata blooms
Weigela flowering Nana Variegata forms first flowering buds on last year's shoots. The bush blooms for a long time, beginning in early June and ending in mid-July.The second wave of flowering begins from August to September, flowers are formed at the ends of the shoots of the current season.
In terms of flowering time, the hybrid belongs to the average variety; in the garden it immediately replaces faded lilacs. The pause between flowering is insignificant, about two weeks, during which time weigela is given a decorative appearance by leaves with variegated unusual colors.
The plant forms large buds - up to 4 cm long, rich pink in color, collected 3-5 pieces in an inflorescence. The flowers are bright pink with a slight purple tint, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped. The color varies from light white to darker tones (depending on the lighting). The decorative effect of Nana Variegata weigela directly depends on ultraviolet radiation; the more heat and light, the brighter the color of the habit. The aroma of the flowers is light, with subtle sweet notes.
The use of weigela Nana Variegata in landscape design
The hybrid was created for the design of personal plots, gardens, for landscaping public gardens, parks, and urban neighborhoods. The long flowering time and decorative crown make the shrub desirable in the most sophisticated gardens, decorated according to modern design trends. Several examples with photos of the use of Nana Variegata weigela in design are presented below.
In a composition with coniferous trees as a foreground accent.
On the edge of the forest.
On the sides of the garden path.
As a tapeworm in the center of a flower bed.
Nana Variegata as a decoration for the central part of the lawn.
Framing the banks of an artificial reservoir.
To create a touch of wild nature in the depths of the garden near the bench.
In mass planting to obtain a hedge that delimits garden zones.
Weigela Nana Variegata gets along well with any representatives of the flora, except junipers.There is a risk of rust spreading to the leaves.
When making a decision on the design of the territory, be sure to take into account the varietal characteristics of the Nana Variegata hybrid.
How does the hybrid weigela Nana Variegata reproduce?
Reviews from gardeners who have experience growing weigela Nana Variegata are mixed. Many people consider the plant to be quite capricious in propagation. Like all representatives of non-varietal species, Nana Variegata does not reproduce by seeds. If cultivars produce a sufficient amount of basal shoots, which are quite suitable as planting material, then the Nana Variegata hybrid has practically no shoots.
The most guaranteed option for breeding the Nana Variegata hybrid on the site is to purchase three-year-old seedlings from a nursery. After two years, layering can be done from the lower branch; work is carried out in the spring before the leaves appear. Bend the stem to the soil and cover it with soil. The plots can be planted next spring. For the winter, the cuttings must be covered.
The cutting method is used less frequently; it is less productive, since the survival rate of weigela Nana Variegata planting material is low. Cuttings are cut from last year's shoots in August, 15 cm long. They are placed in damp sand until spring; in mid-summer, cuttings can be placed on the territory. By autumn, the degree of survival of the material will be visible.
Planting and caring for weigela Nana Variegata
Planting and agricultural technology for weigela Nana Variegata are ordinary and do not require additional skills. The culture is quite unpretentious in care. Weigela Nana Variegata has not lost its decorative quality for many years.
Recommended timing
Planting dates depend on the growing region.Flowering weigela Nana Variegata - a hybrid with average frost resistance (climatic zone - 5) in the South can be planted in the spring, when the soil has warmed up to +8 0C. In warm subtropical climates, autumn planting is suitable - a month before the temperature drops, approximately in October. In a temperate climate zone, autumn planting is not considered; if the weigela takes root poorly, the plant will die before spring. The crop is planted in the spring at the end of April - beginning of May.
Site selection and soil preparation
The culture does not respond well to the influence of the north wind; when choosing a place for weigela Nana Variegata, areas that are protected from drafts, for example, the south side behind the wall of a building, are suitable. The plant feels comfortable on southern and eastern slopes, on flat territory, as well as in the company of flowering shrubs that do not shade the weigela.
For vegetation, the shrub requires light sandy loam soils with a fertile composition and satisfactory drainage. The soil is neutral or slightly acidic. If the soils are acidic, dolomite flour is added to them. Prepare a place, dig it up, add organic matter, superphosphate, urea, and ash.
How to plant correctly
Before planting, make a mixture consisting of soil, compost, sand, and peat in equal parts. For 8 kg add 250 g of wood ash and 150 g of mineral fertilizers.
Landing:
- Dig a hole 65 cm deep and 60 cm in diameter.
- Fine gravel or coarse crushed stone is placed at the bottom.
- A layer of mixture is poured on top, from which a cone-shaped mound is made in the center.
- A seedling is placed in the center of the resulting hill and covered with a small layer of soil. Compact and add to the edge of the pit.
- Water and mulch.
Growing rules
Caring for a young weigela Nana Variegata seedling after planting is no different from the agricultural techniques of any beautiful flowering shrub. If certain rules are followed, the hybrid will produce 2 blooms and retain the bright color of the leaves until autumn.
Watering
Weigela is a drought-resistant crop that tolerates overdried root soil more easily than excess moisture. An adult plant is watered with a large volume of water before the formation of buds. The next watering is carried out at the time of flowering. At the end of summer, watering should be moderate. All these measures are relevant in dry summers. If the amount of seasonal precipitation is normal, weigela is not watered. In the first year of seedling growth, the tree trunk circle is kept moist, avoiding excess water.
Top dressing
After planting the nutrient mixture in the hole, the weigela will last for 3 years. The shrub is not fed; a weakly concentrated solution of organic matter can be added in the spring. For an adult plant, urea and potassium-containing products are scattered around the tree trunk. During the formation of buds in the first wave of flowering, superphosphate is added, and in August weigela Nana Variegata is fed with organic fertilizers.
Loosening, mulching
For up to 2 years of growing season, weigela seedlings Nana Variegata loosen the soil after each watering or precipitation. At this time, the plant is forming a root system, so a sufficient amount of oxygen is necessary. The formation of a crust is not allowed. At the same time, weeds are removed; weeds should not be allowed to grow - this is the main place for the accumulation and growth of fungal spores.
Mulching of the Nana Variegata hybrid is carried out immediately after planting.By autumn the covering layer is increased. In the spring, the material is replaced with new one. Crushed tree bark is used for mulch in the spring. The material retains moisture well, allows air to pass through, and looks aesthetically pleasing. In autumn, straw and pine needles are used.
Pruning, crown formation
Weigela Nana Variegata with a spreading crown, densely foliated, completely covered with delicate flowers. The unusual coloring of the leaves only adds to the decorative effect, so the bush is not formed, leaving it in its natural form. In the spring, they carry out sanitary pruning of dry and dead shoots over the winter. Cut off the inflorescences after flowering. The shrub is rejuvenated once every two years. The procedure is carried out after the second flowering. Remove several old shoots. In spring, weigela will form a replacement.
Preparing for winter
Weigela Nana Variegata is a hybrid characterized by relative winter hardiness, but it is not left at low temperatures without shelter. The activities are relevant for young seedlings and adult shrubs. Preparing for winter weigela Nana Variegata:
- An adult plant is watered abundantly.
- The young seedling is hilled up, and the layer of mulch is increased for all age groups.
- The branches are carefully pulled towards the center and secured with twine.
- They bend it to the ground, install the arches, and attach the covering material to them.
- Cover the top with spruce branches.
- In winter, they throw snow on the spruce branches.
Pests and diseases
Hybrid varieties differ from cultivars in their more stable immunity to infection. Weigela Nana Variegata practically never gets sick. With high air humidity and prolonged precipitation, powdery growth may appear. The fungus is eliminated with Bordeaux mixture.
Of the garden pests, the Nana Variegata hybrid is parasitized by aphids and spider mites. Effective pest control products: “Nitrophen” and “Keltan”.To prevent mole crickets, “Karbofos” is added to the root.
Conclusion
Weigela Nana Variegata is a decorative, beautifully flowering perennial obtained as a result of hybridization of wild varieties. A culture was created for use in landscaping urban areas and household plots. The plant is easy to care for, frost-resistant, and can survive without water for a long time. It is distinguished by exotic leaf color and abundant flowering 2 times per season.
