Midnight Sun Weigela (Proven Winners)

Weigela florida ‘Verweig9’ Midnight Sun®

Midnight Sun Weigela is a compact, low-growing deciduous shrub known for its stunning, multicolored foliage that changes from golden-yellow to orange and red throughout the season. Unlike traditional weigelas, this variety is grown for its foliage rather than its flowers. It is cold-hardy (Zone 4-8), drought-tolerant, and easy to maintain, making it a great choice for borders, foundation plantings, and mixed gardens in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 4-8 (borderline hardy for Zone 3—winter protection recommended in exposed areas)
• Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall, 18-24 inches wide
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best color in 6+ hours of direct sun)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly alkaline soils.
  • Avoid soggy or poorly drained areas—weigelas dislike wet feet.
• Spacing: 18-24 inches apart for mass planting, 2+ feet apart for individual shrubs.

Watering

• Young Plants (First Year): Water deeply 1-2 times per week to establish roots.
• Established Plants: Drought-tolerant; water every 2-3 weeks in dry conditions.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers moderate soil moisture, but avoid excessive watering.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root development.
• Mature Plants:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring if growth is slow.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth begins.
• How to Prune:
  • Minimal pruning required—naturally maintains a compact, mounded shape.
  • Remove dead or damaged branches to encourage fresh growth.
  • Since this variety is grown for foliage, pruning is not necessary for flowering purposes.

Pest & Disease Management

Highly resistant to pests and diseases, but minor issues can occur.

Common Pests:

• Aphids – May cause leaf curling and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.
• Spider Mites – Cause yellowing leaves in dry conditions.
  • Solution: Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew – White fungal growth on leaves.
  • Solution: Improve air circulation and apply a fungicide if needed.
• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Causes brown spots on foliage.
  • Solution: Avoid overhead watering and remove affected leaves.

Winter Protection (For Zone 3 Climates)

• Young Plants: Protect with mulch (2-4 inches) around the base and consider burlap wrapping in exposed areas.
• Established Plants: Generally hardy in sheltered spots, but winter dieback may occur in extreme cold.
• Spring Recovery: If winter damage occurs, prune back dead tips in early spring to encourage new growth.

Landscape Uses

Perfect for small gardens, borders, and mass plantings
Vibrant, multi-season foliage color
Low-maintenance and drought-resistant
Cold-hardy and adaptable to various soils
Ideal for container gardening and foundation plantings

Additional Notes:

• Midnight Sun Weigela is an excellent alternative to flowering weigelas for those who want colorful foliage without focusing on blooms.
• Lifespan: 15-25 years with proper care.
• Works well in modern landscapes, rock gardens, and mixed borders.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners