For shrubs commonly known as abelia, there are several common identifiers.
Some are multi-colored or variegated and even change color as the seasons change.
Their flowers are tubular and are often seen in white, pink, or yellow.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Unlike many flowering plants, abelia shrubs have a long blooming season that extends from spring until fall.
These plants are rarely affected by pests and diseases, thoughpowder mildew, anthracnose, andaphidsmay cause problems.
It is best to plant these shrubs in the early spring or early fall when temperatures are mild.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Choose a spot with plenty of sunshine and rich, well-draining soil.
Light
Abelia can be grown in both full sun and partial shade.
Plants grown in areas with intense summer heat will benefit from some afternoon shade.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Soil pH levels should beslightly acidicfor optimal growth.
Water
These low-maintenance plants are drought tolerant once established.
However, they do best when provided with regular watering.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Allow the soil to begin drying before watering again.
Watering deeply and infrequently is better for abelias than watering lightly and regularly.
The preferred growing zones depend on the specific needs of each variety.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Fertilizer
Abelia shrubs benefit from soil that is rich inorganic matter.
Add compost yearly to provide needed nutrients and to support proper soil drainage.
Remove anydamaged or dead branchesand prune the plant to your desired shape.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Take no more than about one-third of the shrub.
Other varieties bloom on old wood, making it best to prune after flowering.
Propagating Abelia
Propagating abelia can be done through cuttings, both hardwood and softwood.
Though hardwood cuttings are often hardier than softwood, they do not root as easily as softwood cuttings.
Softwood cuttings are taken in the spring while hardwood cuttings are taken in the fall.
Both are cared for in the same way.
Some varieties, such as the glossy abelia, are sterile and do not produce seeds at all.
To get an identical copy of the parent plant, cuttings must be taken.
Small varieties, such as dwarf varieties, make perfect plants for container gardens.
Be sure to choose a pot with proper drainage holes before planting an abelia.
To do this, get a container that is around 8 inches or so larger than the root system.
Then add plenty of compost-rich soil, keep it moist, and place the pot in a sunny location.
Fill it with rich soil and water thoroughly.
These small flowers are a couple of inches long and sport 4 or 5 petals each.
They are seen in white, pink, or yellow, and attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds.
They have a pleasant fragrance.
These shrubs generally bloom without a problem.
Be sure to prune lightly, as over-pruning can hinder flower production.
Common Problems With Abelia
Abelias are famous for their ease of care and generally problem-free gardening experience.
Still, problems may occasionally appear when growing these low-maintenance plants.
Thick foliage and No Flowers
As stated above, abelias often bloom without much coaxing required.
Switch to a fertilizer with a higher ratio of phosphorus to nitrogen and potassium.
Root rot may be the culprit.
Amend the soil with well-draining material, such as sand and compost, and gently replant the abelia.
Allow the soil to begin to dry out before watering again.
This depends on the variety of shrub and the conditions it is grown in.
Some Abelia species are evergreen while others are deciduous.
Each variety has its own mature size.
This keeps the plant tidy and clean.
(2021),‘Abelia’from the websiteTrees and Shrubs Online(treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/abelia/).
