A Long-Flowering Garden Favourite Evergreen Abelia

Evergreen Abelias can flower for an impressively long period, producing delicate white or pink flowers from spring into autumn.

Their arching growth habit makes them particularly attractive in informal borders.

Where to plant

Choose full sun or partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil.

A sheltered position generally produces the best results.

Care

Water regularly during establishment.

Established plants are relatively tolerant of dry periods, but flowering and foliagewill benefit from watering during prolonged drought.

Mulch in spring and feed with a general-purpose fertiliser.

When to prune

Prune in late winter or early spring, before strong new growth begins, or lightly after the main flowering flush.

How to prune

Remove dead and damaged stems.

Cut out a few of the oldest branches at ground level to encourage new growthfrom the base.

Shorten excessively long shoots to a healthy outward-facing bud.

Avoid cutting every branch to exactly the same length; maintaining some of the plant’s natural arching habit gives a more attractive result.