Eva Rathke Weigela

Eva Rathke Weigela (Weigela florida 'Eva Rathke') is a leafy deciduous shrub that covers itself in deep pink-red, funnel-shaped flowers from spring into summer. It grows 1.5m to 3m tall and wide, and it is completely frost hardy. For a cold garden that wants a long season of colour, it is a dependable choice.

Why you'll love it

• Rich flower colour. Pink buds open into deep pink-red funnels across spring and summer, set against mid green leaves.
• Completely frost hardy. Cold winters suit it, so it is a reliable flowering shrub where frost rules out many other plants.
• Happy in sun or shade. It adapts to full sun, part shade or full shade, although sunny positions need extra watering.
• Easy to keep tidy. A light clip holds the shape, and an old, leggy bush responds well to a hard prune that rejuvenates it.
• Cottage garden character. The flower-laden branches suit mixed beds and cottage plantings, and it is easy-care enough to use as a hedge.

Where it works best

Feature shrub. Give it space at the back of a bed or in a lawn corner, where the spring and summer flowers can be seen from the house.

Mixed beds and cottage gardens. Plant it behind perennials and roses, leaving 1.5m to 2m from its neighbours so it can reach its full width.

Informal flowering hedge. Plant 1m apart in a single row and clip after flowering to keep it dense. It is deciduous, so the hedge is open in winter.

Growing Eva Rathke Weigela in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to full shade, with heavier flowering in brighter positions. It is completely frost hardy and thrives in cool and warm temperate gardens. It also grows in subtropical gardens, where it appreciates shade from the hottest afternoon sun and a little extra water.

Soil. Plant in moist or free draining fertile soil. Dig in compost before planting and mulch afterwards to hold moisture and keep the roots cool.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the first year, and keep the soil evenly moist in summer, especially in sun. Feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring and top up the mulch at the same time.

Pruning. Give it a light clip after flowering to keep the shape. Every few years, or when a mature bush turns leggy, cut it back hard straight after flowering to rejuvenate it.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Eva Rathke Weigela as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10, and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes suit a long hedge or a budget planting, and the 200mm pots give a bushier plant to start with. Expect a modest leafy young plant that builds up over a few seasons.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse deciduous shrubs
• More flowering plants
• How to create a cottage garden in Australia
• Frost hardy plants for cold gardens

Common questions

How big does Eva Rathke Weigela get?

Between 1.5m and 3m tall and wide, depending on soil, light and how you prune it. A yearly clip after flowering holds it at the smaller end.

Does it lose its leaves in winter?

Yes, it is deciduous. The branches are bare through winter, and new leaves arrive in spring, followed by the flowers.

Can I grow it in the shade?

Yes. It grows in sun, part shade or full shade. Flowering is generally heavier in brighter positions, and sunny spots need extra watering.