Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora) also known as glossy Abelia, is a popular ornamental shrub that is tough and adaptable yet also loved for its beautifully fragrant flowers. The plant comes in a wide range of readily available varieties offering various foliage colors. Abelia is easy to grow, preferring a full sun to partial shade location in fertile, well-draining soil. Abelia is cold hardy from zones 4-11 with different hardiness zones based on variety.
What you Need to Plant Abelia
- Shovel
- Compost
- Garden Spade
- Perfect Location or Container
- Water Source
Where to Plant Abelia
Abelia can acclimate to many different locations but prefers well-draining soil in full sun to part shade exposure. When planted in more full sun locations, Abelia is more floriferous and foliage colors intensify. Abelia can tolerate various soil types but prefers slightly acidic and fertile soil that is on the more moist side yet well-drained. Choose a location with adequate space for the full maturity of the variety of Abelia you have chosen.
Abelia Plant Spacing
Check the height and spread of the variety of Abelia you have chosen to determine your plant spacing, allowing enough space for your plant to grow into its mature sizing. In more mild climates, Abelia will easily grow to its max height versus staying slightly smaller in colder climates. The taller varieties of Abelia can be used as accent features in your garden or planted in mass groups to create hedges. The smaller varieties make great container plants.
Steps to Plant Abelia
Step 1: Choose a good location for your Abelia plant
Step 2: Dig a hole 2-3 times as wide as the root ball of your Abelia keeping the soil from digging
Step 3: Add a few spades worth of compost to the bottom of your newly dug hole
Step 4: Place Abelia in the center of your hole and backfill with soil from digging hole
Step 5: Be sure not to plant the crown too deep, allow it to be above the soil line mounding the backfill around the crown.
Step 6: Water in well.
When to Plant Abelia
Choose a time in spring or early fall to plant your Abelia. Planting in the heat of summer is not advisable but can be done successfully if you provide extra care and water to help the plant get established. The best time of day to plant is in the morning or evening, outside of the full heat and sun of the day.
Transplanting Abelia
Abelia plants do not typically need to be split or divided as they mature. Moving or transplanting your Abelia is possible down the road. Abelia plants typically have a shallow root system that can be dug up fairly easily. After carefully digging up the entire root system, follow the above planting directions for its new planting location or container. Abelia can be propagated from cuttings mid growing season.
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Author Katie Endicott - Published 1-15-2022 |