The Weigela is a beautiful bush that is easy to care for and rewards us with its abundant flowering in early summer. Around June, its long, flexible branches are covered with countless pink, red, or white bell-shaped flowers, depending on the variety. It is used as a standalone plant, in flower beds, or as a flowering hedge. Propagation by cuttings is an economical way to reproduce it identically, although it requires patience before obtaining a young plant robust enough to be planted in the ground. Discover our tutorial and tips to achieve this.
Required Materials
- A pruning shear to take the cuttings. It should be cleaned and disinfected before cutting to avoid transmitting diseases. Otherwise, it could jeopardise the success of your future young plants. Take cuttings from healthy specimens, so choose the Weigela you wish to propagate carefully;
- Plant hormone (facultative);
- A pencil or stick.
When to Take Cuttings from Weigela?
This operation is mainly carried out at two times of the year: in spring and early autumn.
In Spring
In May and June, herbaceous cuttings, also called green cuttings, are taken. Young shoots that are not yet lignified are selected—meaning they are still flexible and do not have the appearance of wood. Be careful: the chosen shoots should not be flowering or have flower buds.
Choose branches without flowers or flower buds
In Early Autumn
In September and October, semi-hardwood cuttings are taken. In other words, branches that are beginning to lignify are cut: their colour will be between green and brown, their appearance between softwood and hardwood. Do not take cuttings from old wood.
On Saint Catherine's Day
That said, you probably know the saying, "On Saint Catherine's Day, all wood takes root." While November 25th is the day of celebration for this saint, hardwood cuttings can be taken before and after, provided the bush has lost its leaves and there is no frost. Pieces of stems, 20 to 30 cm long, are taken and buried halfway or two-thirds deep. Pay attention to the direction of growth: if you plant your branch upside down, it will not take root.
How to Take Cuttings from Weigela?
- Preferably choose lateral branches rather than those growing at the top of the bush. They generally root better;
- Cut, at an angle below a node, pieces of branch about 15 cm long and of a suitable diameter. Avoid stems that are too thin. Also, take care of the bush from which you are taking the cuttings by making a clean cut. Ensure the angle is oriented downward so rainwater does not pool and cause rot. Do not hesitate to take more branches than the number of cuttings you wish to make. This will increase your chances of success. And if you are very lucky and all the cuttings take, you can always give them away—or trade them—with other amateur gardeners;
- Once your branches are selected and cut, trim the tip by 1 or 2 cm and remove the leaves, keeping only a few at the top of the cutting—4 to 6, depending on the size of your cutting. This will reduce water loss through the leaves while waiting for roots to grow;
Cut your branch at an angle and keep only the leaves at the tip (photo Plant Image Library - Flickr)
- Fill the container intended for the cuttings with a mixture of half compost and half sand;
- To encourage root formation and development, we recommend dipping the tips of the cuttings in plant hormone. Gently tap to remove excess powder;
- Make a hole using, for example, a pencil or a thin bamboo stick and place your cutting in it. Firm the soil around the cutting and water;
- Water regularly, especially for green cuttings, for which the substrate must remain moist in summer.
The cuttings will remain in pots all winter, preferably in a shaded spot. In spring, those showing signs of growth can be transplanted into larger pots. Planting in the ground will occur when the young plant is large and robust enough, usually two to three years later.
Weigela cuttings after one year in a pot (photo peganum - Flickr)
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