Abelia is a tough and resilient flowering shrub that is easy to grow. New Abelias need regular water for the first year after planting to help them establish well. Mature Abelias develop drought tolerance but thrive and bloom well with regular watering during a dry spell.
How to Tell If Abelia Needs Watered
Abelias develop drought tolerance over time, but if the leaves of your Abelia are wilting, drooping, or falling off, then the plant likely needs water. Check the soil to see if it is cracking and dry beneath the surface. If the soil feels dry, water the plant deeply to rehydrate the soil. If the soil is moist directly below the surface, check back in a day or two for water needs.
How Often To Water Abelia
When newly planted, water your Abelia regularly over the first year until established. Provide deep soakings instead of frequent light waterings, to encourage the roots to grow deeper. Maintain a close eye on the moisture conditions of your Abelia for its first growing season, never allowing the soil to dry out.
Once established, Abelia requires less frequent watering. While they can withstand drought-like conditions, this shrub will grow and bloom best with regular water. Take care not to overwater your Abelia. If the soil is still moist, do not water until the top 2-3 inches dry out.
Potted Abelias should be watered a few times a week. Containers have higher water needs than landscape plants. Soak the potting soil until water drains out the bottom of the container.
Best Time to Water Abelia
If your Abelia plant needs watering, the best time of day to water is in the morning or evening from spring to fall. Watering in the morning or evening outside of the peak sun hours of the day allows for best root absorption versus sun evaporation. Abelias require much less water in the winter.
How to Water Abelia
Step 1 – Observe your Abelia and assess its water needs.
Look for signs of wilt or crispy foliage. Dig your finger about an inch or two into the soil to see how dry the soil is below. If moisture is detected, wait to water until the top of the soil feels dry.
Step 2 - Apply water to the base of the plant.
Using a watering can or hose, water around the base of the plant, keeping the rest of the plant dry. Water thoroughly and slowly so that moisture can reach the entire root zone without pooling around the plant.
Step 3 - Check back after watering.
After watering, check on the plant in a few days to make sure you didn’t over- or under-water. If the soil has dried out completely, it's time for another watering!
Abelia Watering Tips
- Newly planted Abelia will have higher water needs than mature plants
- Abelias are drought tolerant at maturity
- Wilted or drooping foliage is a sign that your plant needs water
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Author Katie Endicott - Published 1-15-2022 |