Pollination Information for Electric Love Weigela (Weigela x ‘ZR1’)

The Electric Love Weigela (Weigela x ‘ZR1’) is a hybrid cultivar that mesmerizes with its beautiful electric pink flowers. As a deciduous shrub, it requires proper pollination to ensure abundant blooms. Here is some detailed pollination information for this particular variety:

Pollination Type:

The Electric Love Weigela is primarily pollinated by bees, including honeybees and native bee species. These insects are attracted to the vibrant flowers, which provide them with a rich source of nectar and pollen.

Self-Fertility:

This cultivar is partially self-fertile, meaning it has the ability to produce fruits and seeds through self-pollination to some extent. However, cross-pollination with another compatible weigela cultivar can significantly enhance the overall fruit set and seed production.

Cross-Pollination:

Cross-pollination in Electric Love Weigela can be accomplished by planting another weigela cultivar nearby. It is essential to choose a compatible cultivar that blooms around the same time as Electric Love Weigela to ensure successful pollination.

Compatible Cultivars:

• Weigela florida 'Alexandra' - Pink-flowering cultivar
• Weigela florida 'Midnight Wine' - Dark red foliage with pink flowers
• Weigela florida 'Wine and Roses' - Deep purple foliage with pink flowers

Pollination Requirements:

To promote effective pollination and fruit set, follow these guidelines:

• Plant Electric Love Weigela in a location that receives full sun to partial shade, as this will attract more pollinators.
• Ensure a well-draining soil that retains sufficient moisture for optimal growth.
• Provide regular watering, especially during dry spells, to keep the plant healthy and encourage flower production.
• Use organic matter, such as compost, to enrich the soil and enhance overall plant vigor.
• Plant compatible weigela cultivars nearby to encourage cross-pollination.
• Avoid using harsh pesticides during flowering, as they can harm or repel pollinators.
• Prune the shrub after flowering to promote new growth and future blooms.

By following these pollination guidelines, you can ensure a thriving Electric Love Weigela plant with an abundance of stunning pink flowers. Enjoy the beauty it brings to your garden!

Electric Love Weigela (Weigela x ‘ZR1’)

1. What is Electric Love Weigela?

Electric Love Weigela (Weigela x ‘ZR1’) is a compact deciduous shrub renowned for its vibrant electric pink blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It is a hybrid variety developed by the Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs.

2. How tall and wide does Electric Love Weigela grow?

Electric Love Weigela typically grows up to 2-3 feet in height with a spread of 2-3 feet. It has a compact and mounding growth habit, which makes it suitable for smaller garden spaces and containers.

3. When does Electric Love Weigela bloom?

This particular Weigela variety produces its stunning electric pink flowers in late spring and may continue blooming intermittently throughout the summer. The bright flowers create a lovely contrast against the dark green foliage.

4. What are the soil and sunlight requirements for Electric Love Weigela?

Electric Love Weigela thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers full sun to part shade conditions for optimal growth and flowering.

5. How often should I water Electric Love Weigela?

During the establishment phase, regular watering is necessary to keep the soil evenly moist. Once established, the plant becomes relatively drought tolerant, but occasional deep watering during dry periods is beneficial.

6. Do I need to fertilize Electric Love Weigela?

Electric Love Weigela benefits from an annual application of a slow-release fertilizer in early spring. This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and abundant flowering.

7. How do I prune Electric Love Weigela?

Pruning should be done immediately after flowering. You can remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches and lightly shape the plant as desired. However, avoid extensive pruning as Electric Love Weigela blooms on old wood.

8. Does Electric Love Weigela attract pollinators?

Yes, Electric Love Weigela is highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, which adds an element of liveliness to your garden.

9. Is Electric Love Weigela deer resistant?

While Electric Love Weigela is not completely deer resistant, it is known to be less appealing to deer, making it a good choice for landscapes frequented by deer.

10. Can Electric Love Weigela be grown in containers?

Absolutely! Electric Love Weigela's compact size and attractive blooms make it an excellent choice for container gardening. Just ensure that the container has proper drainage.

Planting & Care for Electric Love Weigela

• Planting Time: Spring or fall
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-draining soil with organic matter
• Watering: Regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods
• Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring
• Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and promote new growth
• Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, but watch out for aphids and leaf spot

Planting Instructions:

1. Choose a planting location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of the plant.
3. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
4. Place the Electric Love Weigela in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
5. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
6. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
7. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.

Care Tips:

• Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim for about an inch of water per week.
• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced granular fertilizer according to package instructions.
• Prune Electric Love Weigela right after flowering to remove spent blooms and maintain its shape. You can also trim lightly throughout the growing season to shape the shrub if needed.
• Check for pests regularly, especially aphids. If detected, treat with insecticidal soap or a gentle spray of water.
• Monitor for signs of leaf spot or other diseases. If necessary, treat with a suitable fungicide.
• Monitor growth and provide support if necessary by staking weak or drooping branches.

By following these planting and care instructions, you can enjoy the beautiful blooms of the Electric Love Weigela throughout the growing season.