Table of contents
- Characteristics
- site conditions
- planting time
- planting guide
- tub planting
- Pour
- Fertilize
- Cut
- hibernate
- Repot potted plants
- Propagation via cuttings
- Diseases
- pests
This evergreen, low-growing flowering shrub belongs to the summer bloomers, is almost as wide as it is tall and is also very popular with bumblebees and bees. However, not all varieties are completely hardy.
Characteristics
- Plant family: honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae)
- Botanical name: Abelia grandiflora
- German names: Large-flowered Abalie, Abalie
- Growth: bushy with curved branches
- Growth height: 100-150 cm
- Foliage: dark green, ovate, acuminate
- Autumn colour: orange, red
- Flowers: Panicles, funnel-shaped, simple, pink-white
- Flowering period: July to September
- Lime tolerance: sensitive to lime
site conditions
In order for Abelia grandiflora to bloom profusely, it needs a sunny location, although it also tolerates partially shaded areas. However, if it is too dark, it will only produce a few flowers and will wither over time. In addition, the location should be sheltered from the wind. The demands on the nature of the soil are not very high either.
- Soil above all well-drained, moist and rich in nutrients
- Abalie tolerates slightly alkaline to acidic substrates
- loose, humus-rich soil with a high proportion of sand is ideal
- very loamy soils rather unsuitable
- as well as those with a high peat content
- also not optimal due to the addition of sand, grit or limestone
- improve poor soils with compost
- It is better to avoid compacted soils, they tend to form waterlogging
Tip:
The topsoil (topsoil) should be at least 30 cm high. It stores water, important nutrients and filters out pollutants.
planting time
In principle, planting is possible from spring to autumn, but preferably in spring as soon as there is no longer any danger of frost. Container plants can be planted most of the year except in summer heat and frozen soil. On the day of planting it should be warm, dry and of course frost-free.
planting guide
- water the Abalie thoroughly before planting
- in the meantime, dig a sufficiently large planting pit
- twice as wide and deep as the pad
- Enrich the excavated earth with humus and compost
- pay attention to a balanced ratio of both components
- Loosen the soil in the planting hole
- Insert Abalie in the middle, as deep as before in the pot
- fill up with excavated earth
- Press down the soil, create a pouring rim and water well
- distances of 150-180 cm recommended for several specimens
tub planting
Planting in a tub is also possible without any problems and has the advantage that both the location and winter protection can be designed individually. There are a few things to consider here.
- Plant pots should not be too small
- at least 60 cm high and wide
- First provide the bucket with drainage
- fill in some soil
- alternately humus and potting soil
- Use Abelia grandiflora
- Fill with soil to two inches below the rim
- Press the substrate down and water well
Pour
This plant likes regular watering from spring through fall, depending on the weather. In the summer months, the water requirement is particularly high, so daily watering is recommended. It tolerates only very short dry periods without suffering any damage. After a long period of heat and drought, it should be watered thoroughly. To prevent the soil from drying out To avoid soiling the root area, a permanent layer of mulch can help to keep moisture in the soil for much longer. However, waterlogging should be avoided.
Tip:
Potted plants usually need more water because the volume is limited and the substrate dries out much faster. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the soil moisture remains constant and, if necessary, to water it daily in hot temperatures.
Fertilize
As far as the supply of nutrients is concerned, fertilizer should be used in moderation. In the bed, it is usually sufficient to add some compost or humus once in spring and again at the end of summer. In addition, the use of a low-nitrogen solid or liquid fertilizer is recommended. Potted plants can be supplied with a liquid fertilizer about every two weeks or once in spring with a long-term fertilizer for flowering plants.
Cut
The large-flowered Abalie does not normally need regular pruning. Nevertheless, it is very cut-resistant and can easily tolerate one or the other correction cut if necessary. The best time for pruning is in the spring before budding begins. Shoots that are too long can be shortened and dead ones can be completely removed. This promotes a more compact growth and increased flowering. Minor cosmetic corrections can be made at any time. In older specimens, a rejuvenation pruning in spring can promote flowering. If the corrections are made in summer, there is usually no flowering in the following year.
hibernate
In the bed
Abelia grandiflora is hardy to minus 15 degrees for a short time in a sheltered location. In most cases, it cannot tolerate longer periods of frost at these temperatures. Good winter protection is therefore indispensable and also recommended in milder locations. Young plants are particularly at risk. To protect them, cover the planting site with a warming layer of mulch made of leaves or compost in autumn. The above-ground parts of the bush of young plants are additionally wrapped with fleece, reed mats, bubble wrap or jute. On frost-free days something should be poured and fertilizers should be completely avoided during the winter.
In the bucket
- in very rough locations, Abalie is better kept in the tub
- frost-free hibernation so no problem
- Winter quarters should be bright and cool
- Temperatures between five and ten degrees are ideal
- avoid excessive exposure to the sun
- Garage or unheated conservatory ideally suited
- in milder areas overwintering outside possible
- in a sheltered and covered place
- preferably in front of a warm house wall
If the potted plant is to overwinter outdoors, this is of course not possible without adequate protection. Both the root area and the above-ground parts of the shrub are wrapped with several layers of fleece. To protect against frost, place the bucket on an insulating base, e.g. B. Styrofoam or a wooden pallet. Even in the bucket, the Abalie needs to be watered occasionally on frost-free days. The substrate should not dry out.
Repot potted plants
Once the winter is over, it is the best time to repot specimens in the bucket. While abalia should not be transplanted in the garden if possible, it is necessary for potted plants regularly, i.e. every one to two years. The new bucket should only be slightly larger than the old one.
When it comes to potting soil, you should pay attention to high quality. The pot plant soil should contain sufficient coarse-grained, mineral components. Soils with a high peat content are not recommended. After the plant has been removed from the old pot, loose soil is removed from the ball and the roots are shortened if necessary. Then just insert the plant and finally don't forget to water it.
Propagation via cuttings
Cuttings for propagation can, for example, be obtained by pruning in spring. The mother plant should of course be healthy and pest free.
- cut half-ripe head cuttings in May
- about ten to twelve inches long
- remove lower leaves from cuttings
- Leave the top two to three leaves on the cutting
- Fill small pots with potting soil or a soil-sand mixture
- Use one or more pieces per pot
- cover at least two eyes with soil
- Moisten the substrate and keep it evenly moist
- Put pots in a bright and warm place without direct sun
- Root formation has taken place when new shoots appear
- transplant into the garden after the ice saints
Diseases
chlorosis
So-called chlorosis, also known as bleaching or jaundice, is a deficiency symptom. It occurs more frequently during the cold winter months. Measures to combat it are usually not necessary, because it usually disappears on its own, because as soon as it gets warmer again, the plant regulates the deficiency itself.
fungus
Fungal infestation occurs, for example, if the humidity is too high or if too much water is poured. Then you should look for a more suitable location for the plant and adjust the watering amounts to the needs of the plant. In the case of a stronger infestation, the use of suitable pesticides is advisable.
pests
The Large Flowered Abalie (Abelia grandiflora) is extremely resistant to pests. Nevertheless, under unfavorable conditions, an infestation with aphids can occasionally occur. They show up with preference in spring, especially on the fresh shoots. They can be removed with a powerful jet of water, a soapy solution you have made yourself or, if necessary, with a suitable insecticide.
garden editorial I write about everything that interests me in my garden.
Learn more about potted plants
Caring for the tangerine tree properly | 13 tips for the tangerine tree
Many citrus plants have evolved from the tangerine, one of the oldest and most original citrus species. With its white flowers and orange fruits, it is a feast for the eyes and the palate. In this country it is only cultivated as a container plant due to its sensitivity to frost.
Indian canna, Canna indica | 13 tips for care
Canna indica, also known by the botanical name Canna indica, is a decorative plant that not only enriches every garden during flowering. In pot culture, it can be used as an accent for many years thanks to its color and growth.
11 absolutely hardy container plants
Absolutely hardy potted plants have several advantages to offer, because they can remain outdoors even when the temperature is below zero and require little protection. If they are also evergreen, they can also bring joy all year round.
Is dwarf bamboo hardy? | 11 tips for care & cutting
Dwarf bamboo is one of the easy-care sweet grasses. In the garden, it can be used as a good ground cover, as it does not grow as tall as its larger relatives. Whether the plant is hardy and how it is cared for and cut can be read in the guide.
Pink dwarf banana, Musa velutina | Care of the Kenya Banana
The pink dwarf banana (Musa velutina) is an eye-catcher in the garden. It grows to a maximum of two meters and impresses with its impressive flowers. The small pink fruits taste sweet and aromatic. If you want to harvest the exotic fruits, you should follow our care tips.
Fig tree, Ficus carica: Care from A-Z | 4 tips for growth
The fig is one of the oldest cultivated plants, as its sugary fruits were used as a sweetener in the past. The fig tree comes from Asia Minor, but can also be cultivated in this country. The advantage is that the fig is easy to care for.
