Overwintering guide
How to overwinter weigela 'eva rathke'
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills weigela 'eva rathke' in winter
Cutting weigela 'eva rathke' hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More weigela 'eva rathke' care
Overwintering weigela 'eva rathke' — FAQ
Does weigela 'eva rathke' need to come indoors for winter?
Weigela 'Eva Rathke' is hardy to roughly USDA zone 4 — winter lows around -34°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Weigela 'Eva Rathke' is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move weigela 'eva rathke' for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water weigela 'eva rathke' in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills weigela 'eva rathke' over winter?
Cutting weigela 'eva rathke' hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.