Korean Weigela (Weigela coraeensis)

Photo: mami_t_tCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Korean Weigela Plant Care

Weigela coraeensis Thunb.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Weigela coraeensis is a striking plant known for its unique variegated leaves, featuring a combination of green and creamy white colors. Originating from Korea, this plant thrives in temperate climates and is loved by plant enthusiasts for its eye-catching foliage and graceful growth habit.

🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to part shade

Temp

50–100°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Korean Weigela?

Plant Korean Weigela in full sun to part shade (USDA zones 6a–8b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–100°F (10–38°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Korean Weigela Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Korean Weigela?

Korean Weigela (Weigela coraeensis) belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family within the Weigela genus. Korean Weigela is native to Japan.

Korean Weigela displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Korean Weigela produces tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Korean Weigela?

Water a young or newly planted Korean Weigela every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Korean Weigela Need?

Korean Weigela thrives in full sun to part shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to part shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Korean Weigela Prefer?

Weigela coraeensis tolerates temperatures of 50–100°F. Korean Weigela prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–100°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Korean Weigela?

Rich, well-draining soil with compost or aged manure. Good drainage is essential for Korean Weigela to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Korean Weigela?

Feed Korean Weigela every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Korean Weigela?

Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and rich, well-draining soil with compost or aged manure. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Korean Weigela is suited to USDA Zone 6a – 8b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Korean Weigela?

Korean Weigela can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Korean Weigela?

Prune Korean Weigela while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Korean Weigela in Winter?

Korean Weigela is hardy down to USDA zone 6a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

How Do You Propagate a Korean Weigela?

Korean Weigela can be propagated through softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to weigela plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Korean Weigela Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Korean Weigela, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Korean Weigela?

Korean Weigela is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Korean Weigela Need?

Korean Weigela grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Korean Weigela is native to Japan.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 6a – 8b

Keep exploring plants

Korean Weigela is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Weigela genus — compare its care with other Weigela species on PlantoScan.

Weigela is part of the Caprifoliaceae plant family — browse all Caprifoliaceae genera and species.

Korean Weigela thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Weigela coraeensis Thunb., family Caprifoliaceae (first published in Trans. Linn. Soc. 2: 331 (1794)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Korean Weigela, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: mami_t_t, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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