One of the best known shrubs for the garden and that offer a multicolor vision is the Abelia floribunda. Its care is quite easy and in return it offers you an almost magical image.
But What are the care of the abelia floribunda? What it's like? If you haven't heard of it, or want to dig a little deeper, then we'll talk about it.
How is the Abelia floribunda
The first thing you should know about Abelia floribunda is that it is a shrub. In its natural habitat, and leaving it free, can easily reach 3 meters in height. But its size is not the most important thing, but the attractiveness it offers in its foliage as well as its flowers.
To begin with, it has branches that are arched and can measure between 1,5 and 1,8 meters. They are brown or reddish in color, which makes them stand out against the leaves and flowers that are of other colors.
All the leaves are small and have an oval shape ending in a toothed edge. Its color is a dark green and very bright, but the upper and lower sides are somewhat different. On the beam you will find that dark green; but on the underside you will have a lighter tone.
Lastly, the flowers are very striking and, above all, they impress because of their color. Usually They are a mix between white and pink. (with red buds). They are bell-shaped and appear either alone or in groups, hanging a little on the plant. It is from the calyxes that a fruit will come.
Another fact that you should know about Abelia floribunda is that it is not as "old" as we might think. At the beginning of the XNUMXth century, the British Clarke Abel discovered the abelias, but it was not until years later that, In Mexico, the Abelia floribunda was found and it was not moved to Europe until 1841.
Conclusion evergreen shrubs, which means that it will keep its leaf throughout the year. However, to flower, its time is from June. Now, don't be surprised if it loses its leaves because it can behave as a semi-perennial, especially if it is not given the right conditions to maintain itself.
Abelia floribunda: important care
After knowing a little more about this shrub, how about we talk about the care of the Abelia floribunda? You should know that it is not difficult to take care of, but it has some nuances that you should take into account to ensure that it is always healthy and perfect. Which are? We indicate them below.
Location and temperature
The best place where you can put this bush is, without a doubt, outside. We would even tell you that in full sun because he likes it and because he adapts very well to it. However, when choosing your location, you have to try not to be in an area where the wind blows directly because it doesn't take it well at all and can dry it out or even kill it.
As for the temperature, it is known that it easily endures down to -3ºC, but the cold does not take it too well. To the point that if it does a lot it can change its perennial form for a semi-perennial or even expire in some cases. As long as you take care of it, it should sprout again in the spring.
Earth
The best substrate for Abelia floribunda will be the one that is a little acid and, above all, that it has good drainage.
You can put it both in the garden and in a pot as long as you control all of the above.
Irrigation
Irrigation is one of the most important care for the Abelia floribunda and also where it can fail the most. And it is that It is a bit delicate with the water. To the point that if you live in an area where it rains often, you would not have to worry about watering at all.
This plant does not tolerate at all times of drought, so watering must be frequent. If, as we said before, it rains often in your area, in general that will be enough, but there will be periods when you will have to water it.
To give you an idea, you may need to water it in summer at least 3 times a week; and in winter one a week will suffice.
Of course, everything will depend on the climate and the location you give it. But you must control that watering to prevent it from drying out easily.
Subscriber
Bet whenever you can for a organic natural fertilizer. In this case, the care of the Abelia floribunda involves throwing compost or manure from time to time because they are the best.
Always apply it between spring and summer, which is when you will need it most (it is your most active period).
Pruning
Pruning is very important. First, because you need to clean it up and above all prevent tangles between the branches (This will hinder the passage of air and ventilation of the plant).
In addition, with it you will improve flowering.
It is always carried out after the flowers have withered and are no longer coming out (ie late summer, early fall).
Plagues and diseases
You should know that the Abelia floribunda is very resistant to pests. But in the case of diseases, it is more likely to suffer from them.
Among them, those that have to do with fungi, viruses and/or bacteria can affect you, especially after pruning (that is why it is important to seal the cuts to avoid this). An example of disease is powdery mildew.
Multiplication
The reproduction of the Abelia floribunda is carried out in two different ways:
- Through air layering, that are planted as if they were small plants so that roots come out and a new plant is obtained from it. When it is well established, you can cut the "link" between the two plants and have them separately.
- Through cuttings. These should be at least 30 inches long and semi-woody in appearance. They should be cut in early spring and planted with rooting hormones for best success. Of course, on the surface add a little sulfur because the cuttings are prone to fungi.
Now that you know how to care for the Abelia floribunda and how it is, would you dare to have it at home, either in your garden or in a pot?