This shrub has long been a charmer in Southern gardens.
Key Takeaways
Abelia (Abelia spp.)
is a graceful shrub that belongs to the Caprifoliaceae or honeysuckle family.
The arching shrub’s small, delicate blooms make reliableborders and shrub plantings.
Plant the shrubs when the soil is warm in the spring or in early fall.
Here’s what else to know about growing and caring for abelia.
Newer varieties have a more compact form.
It has an attractive form but can grow to be substantial.
The arching branches bear tubular, pastel blooms that appear for months and attract many pollinators.
Plant dwarf varieties in containers and create a beautiful focal point for your landscape.
Light
Abelia can be planted in full sun and partial shade.
The shrub benefits from afternoon shade if planted in an area with the harsh summer heat.
Plants with more sun produce more vibrant blooms.
Soil
Abelia shrubs thrive in fertile, well-draining soil with access to consistent moisture.
A slightly acidic to neutral pH is best for abelia.
Water
Newly planted shrubs benefit from consistent watering manually or through rainfall.
Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture.
Temperature And Humidity
Abelia shrubs need moderate humidity and tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
The cultivar Sweet Emotion can survive down to Zone 4.
Abelia may be semi-evergreen or evergreen in Zones 8 and warmer.
Semi-evergreen shrubs thin out in winter but do not lose all their leaves.
Types of Abelias
Abelia includes several recognized species and hybrids.
Cutting back the shrub results in the appearance of more vigorous stems with an arching formation.
In addition to yearly pruning, remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches throughout the year.
Many newer cultivars have a compact, mounded form and only require light, occasional pruning to maintain shape.
Remove watershoots immediatelythin shoots emerging from the trunk or branches.
Reserve significant pruning until after flowering so you don’t remove blooms.
Take cuttings from mid-July to early fall.
Growing abelia from seeds will produce new growth, but the scent, blooms, and color may differ.
Add rich, moist, well-draining soil to the pot, and plant the shrub directly into the container.
Maintain regular watering as potted plants tend to dry out quickly.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
When the plant begins to outgrow the container, remove it, and gently loosen the roots.
Overwintering
Abelia shrubs' winter care depends on the growing environment and placement.
Check the hardiness of your abelia variety if you are growing it in a pot.
Plants grown in containers can overwinter outdoors if they are in a region that is two zones warmer.
Otherwise, they should be moved to a warmer area in winter or buried in the ground.
Prune after the plant goes dormant if needed.
These shrubs are relatively deer-resistant but are occasionally susceptible to aphids.
Remove pests using a garden hose or an insecticide if the problem persists.
Abelia might encounter powdery mildew, anthracnose, and otherfungal diseasesif the shrubs do not receive proper care.
Deadheading spent flowers encourages more buds and flowers.
Additionally, lightly prune damaged or diseased branches, but only after the shrub is dormant in the winter.
Never remove new wood with flower buds, as this will prevent shrubs from flowering.
If root rot spreads, gently dig up the plant to transplant it in a new location.
Use sterilized garden equipment to avoid spreading this soil-borne disease to the new site.
Leaves Turning Black/Brown
Another disease that impacts abelia is leaf spots.
Brown leaves are also a symptom of too much sun exposure.
To prevent leaf spots from spreading to other areas, use asterilized garden toolto remove infected leaves.
Ensure foliage is dry when removing damaged leaves, and keep the plant’s surrounding area clean.
If the problem persists, use a fungicide to help manage the disease.
The shrub is semi-evergreen to evergreen in warmer climates, while abelias in colder climates may shed their leaves.
Some abelias have foliage that turns red or bronze through autumn and winter.
Give abelia a sunny or partially shaded spot in well-drained soil.
Plant in a group or as a border, hedge, or accent.
Smaller varieties can be grown in containers.
Choose a pot with good drainage and room to grow.
Abelias smell sweet,similar to jasmine.
The flower clusters also attract butterflies and other pollinators much of the year.
