Red Prince Weigela is a beautiful deciduous flowering shrub known for its rich red, trumpet-shaped blooms and graceful branching habit. The vivid flowers appear in late spring to early summer and stand out clearly against the fresh green foliage. Under favorable growing conditions, the shrub may produce a lighter second flush of flowers later in summer.
Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators regularly visit the tubular blooms. Red Prince Weigela works especially well in wildlife-friendly landscapes when it is combined with other plants that flower at different times of the year. Our guide to flowering plants and shrubs that attract pollinators includes more ideas for supporting pollinators throughout the growing season.
Its naturally rounded, slightly arching shape makes Red Prince a good choice for foundation plantings, mixed borders, cottage gardens, informal flowering hedges, sunny beds, and specimen displays. Give the shrub enough room to reach its mature width so its branches can develop naturally without frequent shearing.
Plant Red Prince Weigela in full sun for the heaviest flowering. It can tolerate some light shade, but plants receiving less direct sunlight may develop fewer flowers and a looser growth habit. Choose moist, well-drained soil and water regularly during the first growing season while the roots become established.
A two- to three-inch layer of mulch can help conserve moisture and limit weeds. Keep the mulch several inches away from the main stems to prevent excess moisture from collecting around the base.
Red Prince Weigela forms many of its spring flower buds on older growth. If pruning is needed, wait until shortly after the main flowering period ends. Remove dead, damaged, weak, or crossing branches first, then lightly shape the remaining stems. Pruning in fall, winter, or early spring may reduce the next flower display.
The North Carolina Extension Red Prince Weigela profile provides additional information about its red flowers, mature growth, sunlight needs, soil preferences, and landscape uses.
Plant Details
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun
Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Time: Spring, early spring
Mature Height: 5-6 feet
Mature Width: 5-6 feet
Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Pruning Time: After flowering
Notes
Red Prince Weigela blooms best when planted in full sun, though it can tolerate some part sun. For the heaviest flower show, give it at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Prune after it finishes blooming in spring or early summer, since heavy pruning later in the season may remove next year’s flower buds. Keep the soil evenly moist while the plant is getting established, then water during dry spells as needed. Red Prince Weigela is a dependable, easy-care shrub that adds bold spring color and helps bring hummingbirds into the garden.
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