Abelia

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Abelia (Latin Abelia) - an ornamental plant; a genus of shrubs of the Linnaeus family, previously the genus was reckoned to the Honeysuckle family. Abelia grows naturally in East Asia and Mexico. The genus has more than thirty species. The plant got its name in honor of the famous botanist, doctor and researcher Clark Abel.

Characteristics of culture

Abelia is a deciduous or evergreen, slow-growing shrub with a height of 1.5-2.5 m, under favorable growing conditions can reach a six-meter mark. Leaves are opposite, pointed at the ends, oval, dark green with shine, arranged in pairs.

Flowers are tubular, bell-shaped or funnel-shaped, small or medium-sized, five-lobed, have a pleasant and pronounced odor, can be white, pink, purple or red. Flowering takes place from June to September, some species bloom until October. At the end of flowering, the leaves, densely located at the tips of the branches, fall off, and in their place are reddish or purple sepals, thanks to which the plants retain their decorative effect until the onset of stable frosts.

Growing conditions

Abelia is a light-loving plant, it prefers well-lit areas. In hot climates, it accepts slightly shaded areas, protected from northern winds. For growing crops, well-drained, moderately moist soils with a rich mineral composition are desirable.

Reproduction and planting

Abelia is propagated by seeds, green and lily cuttings, as well as by root shoots. Most often, gardeners use the third method. During the growing season, the shrub is able to give a large number of basal shoots, at the end of summer they are separated and planted in a permanent place.

Maintaining an optimal temperature is considered an important factor in the successful reproduction of abelia. If the temperature drops below 20C, young plants need to be covered. Abelia is rarely propagated by seeds and cuttings, this is due to the difficulties of rooting.

Planting seedlings of culture is carried out in early spring or autumn. The planting hole is prepared in advance, its depth should correspond to the size of the rhizome with the addition of 10-20 cm per drainage layer in the form of pebbles or rubble. The soil taken out of the pit is thoroughly mixed with organic and mineral fertilizers and river sand.

Part of the resulting substrate is poured into the pit, then the seedling is lowered, covered with the remaining mixture, tamped, watered and, if possible, mulched. When planting in autumn, seedlings need shelter for the winter, otherwise they may die from frost.

Care

Abelia is an undemanding plant, caring for it does not take much time and is subject to even a novice amateur gardener. The main tasks in plant care are formative and sanitary pruning. To maintain the aesthetic appearance of the shrub, old, diseased and damaged branches should be removed immediately after flowering. A special form of abelia can be given by cutting, however, this procedure will have to be carried out quite often, since the plants grow very quickly.

In dry periods, abelias need moderate irrigation; with a sufficient amount of natural precipitation, the culture does not require irrigation. Fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out in early spring. Since the abelia are cold-hardy, there is no need for shelter for the winter.

An equally important procedure for caring for plants is the fight against pests and diseases. Often abelia are attacked by aphids, the pest leaves a sugary discharge on the leaves, which subsequently leads to blackening. To combat diseases and illnesses, it is recommended to use approved insecticidal preparations.

Application

Many types of abelia are often used in landscape design, since plants are highly decorative not only during the flowering period, but also at the end of it. Abelias are used in single and group plantings, in the design of recreation areas. Varieties with gracefully curved branches and fragrant flowers are the perfect complement to gazebos, benches and other garden décor elements.

Abelia is often used as ampelous plants, they are grown in large flowerpots, which decorate porches, terraces and other rooms. Since the culture easily tolerates formative pruning, it is actively used in the design of hedges.