The genus Abelia includes about thirty species. The name of the plant comes from the name of the doctor Abel, who did a lot for the development of medicine in China in the 19th century.

General information

Most abelias are shrubs, although there are also small trees. The foliage of the plant is opposite, located on petioles, the flowers are funnel-shaped. IN wild conditions abelia can reach 4 meters in height, but in cultivation it is lower.

Usually it is grown in greenhouses or used as a houseplant. In our climate, only Korean abelia can be safely grown in the garden.

Varieties and types

Can reach two meters in height. It has drooping branches, rounded-pointed foliage, bell-shaped flowers are painted white with splashes of scarlet.

This species is a hybrid obtained from Abelia sinensis and Uniflora. It reaches almost two meters and can be grown indoors, but it grows shorter. White flowers collected in inflorescences have a pleasant smell.

A fairly tall shrub with oval foliage with a dusty edge. The flowers are solitary, funnel-shaped.

There are also sometimes species grandiflora And abelia floriferous , but due to the climate, we mainly grow abelia korean .

Abelia care at home

Caring for abelia at home is not particularly difficult. She needs bright, diffused light; it is best to place her on western or eastern windows.

In terms of temperature, there are comments only for winter - it is impossible for the thermometer scale to fall below 10°C, but also for it not to rise above 15°C.

From spring to autumn, you need to water your abelia well. Spraying will also help at this time. IN winter period You need to water the flower moderately, making sure that the soil does not dry out.

Throughout the year except winter, this shrub needs feeding. For these purposes, organic and mineral fertilizers alternate every 15 days.

Also, to form a beautiful crown, abelia needs to be pruned. Before the beginning of spring, the stems are shortened by half to form a beautiful tree. If you want to grow abelia how hanging plant, then do not trim.

Due to the fact that abelia has a characteristic growth pattern, it needs to be replanted twice per summer period using transshipment for this purpose. In this case, you need to use soil made from humus, sand, peat and a mixture of leaf soil and turf in equal proportions.

Reproduction of abelia

To propagate abelia by seed, the material must be sown in mid-winter in the above soil mixture. Shoots usually appear quickly and even flowering is possible in the year of planting.

Another way is to propagate the plant by pruned branches and apical petioles. In order for the material to take root well, it is planted in peat mixed with sand and perlite, and then placed in a place with a temperature of about 25°C.

Diseases and pests

Abelia most often suffers from the following pests and diseases:

Owners of summer cottages are ready to compete with neighbors whose flowers are more beautiful. Many people dream of having a cozy gazebo for relaxation, woven with greenery and surrounded by fragrant bushes. Abelia garden is ideal for these purposes, which will be discussed further.

Botanical description

Abelia is an evergreen or deciduous shrub (depending on the type of plant), whose height is 1.5-2 meters and the same in diameter. There are wild specimens, the height of which can reach 5-6 meters. The shrub belongs to the Honeysuckle family, and, accordingly, its flowers have a very powerful aroma.

Leaves of abelia saturated Green colour, glossy, almond-shaped, arranged in pairs. The flowers of the plant are bell-shaped and tubular in structure, consist of 5 petals in white or pink shades, and have a bright aroma.

Did you know? Bush, despite eastern origin, got its name in honor of an English explorer, doctor and botanist named Clark Abel, who studied vegetation in China and India.

Kinds

The genus Abelia includes at least 15 species of plants and their hybrid descendants, however, not all varieties are suitable for garden cultivation; the majority of varieties are intended for greenhouse cultivation. However, let’s consider the most popular types of this shrub among gardeners:

Did you know? According to one version, the name abelia comes from a similar Hebrew name, which is translated as “breath” or “breath.” And the occurrence of this variant is associated with the fact that the plant has an intense, volatile aroma.

Growing

To grow a shrub in the garden, you must carefully select suitable conditions for its existence. Planting of bushes is carried out either in autumn period, or in early spring, when the night frosts have already stopped:

Important! Due to the large volume of the bush, combined with the fragility of the branches, Abelia categorically does not tolerate drafts, so the area should be ventilated, but protected from intense air currents that can damage the delicate plant.

1. First of all, you need to choose the right place, since abelia loves light very much, but does not tolerate direct sunlight very well.
2. The plant belongs to heat-loving crops Therefore, it tolerates hot weather calmly, provided that the watering regime is not disturbed. Winter cold is not the most comfortable time for him. Up to 10 degrees Celsius, abelia retains its foliage; if a sharp drop in temperature occurs, it sheds its foliage.
3. The plant is moisture-loving, but it should not be over-watered to avoid rotting of the root system.
4. The soil for the plant should be based on turf, peat and sand, very nutritious and breathable, with good drainage properties. The hole for planting a bush should be slightly larger in size than the earthen ball in which the plant to be transplanted is located; drainage pebbles are poured into the bottom of the hole; this can be expanded clay, crushed brick or other similar materials that can perform the function of drainage.

Care

The plant does not require any specific care, just follow simple rules, standard for most garden shrubs.
For supporting beautiful shape Shrubs need to be pruned and pinched regularly. Pruning is done during the dormant period, in the spring after the end of frost.

Watering

Abelia loves moderate watering and does not tolerate stagnant water in the soil, so it needs to be watered after the top layer of soil has completely dried. In addition, it is imperative to organize good drainage and regularly loosen the soil around the bush to evaporate excess moisture.

Important! At the same time, Abelia feels comfortable with quite high humidity air, so you need to periodically spray the plant with cool water from spring to autumn.

Temperature

Considering the regions of origin of the plant, it can confidently be called heat-loving. Abelia does not tolerate drafts and feels ideal at a temperature of 20-25 degrees Celsius. IN winter time The comfortable temperature for the bush is not lower than 10 degrees Celsius. For most varieties, additional shelter in winter is not required; it is enough to protect the bush from drafts. However, Schumann's abelia is not as stable as other varieties; it is recommended to cover it with burlap or other type of plant insulation during wintering.

Top dressing

To accelerate growth and stimulate flowering, it is recommended to feed abelia twice a month in the spring and summer. For these purposes, ready-made ones suitable for shrubs are suitable. In winter there is no need for fertilizing.

Reproduction

Reproduction of the bush is possible in several ways: by cuttings, seeds or root shoots:

Transfer

The plant grows very intensively, so it is better to replant young bushes 2-3 times during the summer. More mature shrubs can be replanted less frequently, usually once every 2-3 years.

Diseases and pests

Abelia is quite resistant to various diseases, however, it is rarely bypassed by ailments and pests standard for shrubs.

So, we found out what garden abelia is, which species take root best on the site and why they are remarkable. This is truly magnificent, unpretentious and fast growing plant that can decorate your country cottage area and delight the eye with long-lasting flowering.

The homeland of the plant is China or Japan. Belongs to the honeysuckle family, relatives of abelia are honeysuckle, snowberry, elderberry, and viburnum, well known to gardeners.

The genus Abelia includes 30 species of plants - these are either low trees (there are very tall exceptions) or shrubs, deciduous or evergreen. Their striking feature is abundant, long-lasting flowering.

The genus of these plants received its name in honor of the doctor, naturalist and zoologist from Britain, Clark Abel, who studied the flora and fauna of the countries of China, Indonesia, and India. It was he who first collected seeds and adult specimens of Abelia in the early 19th century.

All types of abelia are distinguished by dark green glossy leaves and pale pink or white bell-shaped flowers. The appearance of the plant, both garden and indoor, is sophisticated and elegant. The most appropriate place for a miniature abelia - a spacious greenhouse, but also in bright room she will be good.

Abelia can also be grown in open ground. Some varieties in Middle lane freeze out, but most of the species described in this article can potentially feel good in the climatic conditions of Russia. Potentially, because there is little such experience.

Still, when we talk about abelia in our latitudes, they still mean more of a houseplant.

Abelia Grandiflora at Barrington Court, Somerset, UK.

Kinds

The most common type is Abelia grandiflore, obtained from crossing Abelia onotsvetkova and Abelia sinensis. It is worth noting that the parents are no less impressive than their “brainchild”.

Abelia grandiflora

Abelia grandiflora does not tolerate temperatures below -8 C.

Abelia grandiflora– has large white fragrant flowers, a low shrub, although with long shoots. There are varieties of large-flowered abelia:

• Edward Goucker.

  

  Abelia Edward Goucker

• Francis Mason.

  

  Abelia Francis Mason

• Notorious variety Kaleidoscope. Very bright plant. This is the variety shown in the title photo.

  

  Abelia kaleidoscope

  

  Abelia grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’

Abelia chinensis- semi-evergreen shrub with a long flowering period. The flowers are white, with red specks.

Abelia chinensis

Abelia uniflorum– spectacular pink flowers with orange spots in the throat.

Abelia profusely blooming is an evergreen shrub. The flowers are funnel-shaped, pink. Blooms for 3-4 months.

Abelia floribunda

Abelia mosanensis- practically never found in our latitudes in open ground.

Korean Abelia (Abelia coreana)- originally from Far East, so it tolerates cold well.

Conditions

Abelia, when it comes to indoor plants, loves:

1. Abundant diffused light. But direct sun is contraindicated for the plant. The best place in an apartment - this is at the south or south-east window, shaded by tulle curtains.
2. The temperature is room temperature, preferably no higher than 25 C; semi-evergreen species require a decrease in temperature from mid-autumn - to 10-15.
3. High humidity. She will enjoy daily sprays with warm water.
4. Abundant regular watering. You should ensure that the soil does not dry out, this applies even to the cold season.
5. Feeding. Enough complex fertilizer for indoor flowering plants during active flowering and growth - from March to September. Feeding is carried out every two weeks.
6. Spacious pots.

What the plant doesn't like:

1. Heat.
2. Drafts. The plant is extremely sensitive to them, even in summer.

What soil should I plant in?

The mixture is prepared from:

• Sand (1 part)
• Humus (2 parts),
• Purchased peat (2 parts),
• Soddy soil (2 parts).

Replanting - in the spring, as needed. Young plants are replanted annually, perhaps even twice a year.

Trimming

It will increase the decorativeness of abelia and allow it to pacify the violent growth, which in room conditions the plant is very prone. Pruning is carried out after flowering, around the end of winter. They are pruned mercilessly, shortening the stems to maximum length - this stimulates tillering.

Reproduction

It is possible by seeds; they are sown in January.

Please note: the seeds are only purchased; it is impossible to obtain abelia seeds at home.

And also cuttings. Apical cuttings cut in the spring, placed in a substrate of perlite, peat and sand, rooted at a temperature of 20-25º.

Please note: with any method of propagation, young plants bloom in the same year.

Pests and diseases

The plant is quite appetizing to the most common indoor pests:

• Thrips,
• Spider mite,
• Shchitovka,
• Mealybug.

It is worth noting, however, that these pests attack weakened plants. So the best prevention is proper care.

Abelia grandiflora Francis Mason

Video photo selection

There is not much material about abelia on the Internet; video bloggers avoid this elegant plant, which undoubtedly deserves wider popularity. The video below is a selection beautiful photos, allowing you to get a more complete picture of the culture.

Family: Honeysuckle (CaprifoLiaceae).

Origin: China, foothills of the Himalayas.

Description of the plant:

a hybrid of Abelia sinensis and Abelia uniflorum, a shrub up to 180 cm, with long, often drooping branches, small opposite sessile dark green broadly lanceolate leaves. Inflorescences of white, funnel-shaped, fragrant flowers are located at the ends of the branches. Flowering time: long, from early spring to late summer.

Abelia grows well in open ground on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. IN indoor culture This is a relatively small plant with thin, long, drooping shoots, colored blue when young. pink color. The small, oblong, pointed leaves at the top, located oppositely on the shoots, are very elegant. Their color is dark green and shiny. The flowers are relatively large, five-petalled, fused, collected in a raceme inflorescence emerging from the leaf axil. The flowers are white, with a strong pleasant aroma. Abelia blooms profusely and for a long time.

Location:

sunny. The temperature in autumn-winter is 10-14 degrees, the soils are slightly acidic and quite dense.

Care:
In summer, water generously and spray cold water, fertilize with minerals and organic fertilizers. In winter, water moderately and keep at a temperature of 8-10?. In spring, dry shoots are removed from the plant, and long shoots are shortened to half.

Lighting:

bright light

Watering:
moderate, water carefully in winter.

Temperature conditions:

optimal - 20-25 "C in summer, 10-14" C in winter, but can tolerate warmer wintering. Illumination: light-loving.

Air humidity:

tolerates dryness room air. Soil moisture: water abundantly during the period of active growth, moderate in winter.

Earth mixture:

turf, leaf, with the addition of peat, sand and humus.

Reproduction:

green cuttings 5 ​​cm long, planted in wet sand, seeds. The cuttings quickly, after two to three weeks, take root in sand, peat, and perlite. Young plants grow into a beautiful bush and bloom the same summer.

Transfer:

requires nutritious soil - turf mixed with humus, deciduous soil and sand. Since the plant is characterized by strong growth, two transshipments are necessary during the summer. Potted specimens can be replanted after two to three years.

Note:

Abelia grandiflora is a bright representative of the Honeysuckle family, many of which are ornamental shrubs. Latin name Abeliagrandiflora, often translated literally as Abelia grandiflora, and used as a synonymous name.

Currently, the genus Abelia has been transferred to the Linneaceae family; this family includes plants that previously belonged to the Honeysuckle family. IN scientific world Currently, there are only two classifications left, since scientists cannot reach a consensus. Some of them believe that it was not worth dividing the Honeysuckles and separating the plants into a separate Linneaceae family.

Note: the name Abelia comes from Clark Abel, a researcher of the flora and fauna of India and China.

Area

The natural habitat of all representatives of the genus Abelia, and there are about thirty of them, is East Asia and the southern part of North America.

Morphological characteristics

All representatives of the genus Abelia are shrubs that can be deciduous or evergreen. They belong to medium-sized shrubs. Although some, for example Chinese abelia (abeliachintnsis) in the natural environment reaches 2.5 m.

Note: Abelia grandiflora (grandiflora) is not a natural species, but a hybrid created by breeders from two Asian varieties - Abelia chinensis and single-flowered .

The leaves are shiny, dark green, simple pointed. Leaf arrangement is opposite. Abelia grandiflora, as well as related species, is characterized by long drooping shoots, the length of which can reach 1.5 meters. Young shoots have a characteristic pink or light burgundy hue.

The flowers are tubular, with partially fused petals, bell-shaped, white, cream, pink, lilac, depending on the variety. Flowers, collected in racemose inflorescences, cover the branches along almost the entire length, except for the lower parts of the bush. But most of them are concentrated at the ends of the branches. When flowering
all species of the genus Abelia emit a subtle aroma similar to that of jasmine, this serves to attract pollinating insects.

The long flowering period from June to September, and sometimes October, puts Abelia grandiflora in one of the first places among decorative flowering shrubs.

Features of cultivation

Abelia grandiflora is an easy-to-grow shrub that is suitable even for novice gardeners. But for good growth and long-term abundant flowering of abelia, you need to create conditions for it that are as close to natural as possible.

Temperature

Abelia grandiflora and its close relative Abelia sinensis love warm, mild winter temperatures, not lower than 7-9 degrees. These types of shrubs can be grown in pots or containers and brought into a greenhouse or winter Garden. Needs a period of rest and a decrease in temperature in winter (when grown indoors).

In nature, there are also types of abelia that can withstand lower temperatures and can winter in open ground. The most common is the cold-resistant Korean abelia, but it is still advisable to snatch it for the winter.

If Abelia's branches become frostbitten, this is possible due to insufficient snow cover; damaged shoots are removed in the spring.

Lighting

Abelia grandiflora loves bright things good lighting, with some direct sunlight. It may be morning or evening sun, but not the hot midday sun. Summer daytime sun not only dries out the abelia greatly, but also leads to leaf burns.

Abelia can grow in partial shade, but absolutely does not tolerate shady places. Lack of light is even more harmful to abelia than direct sunlight. The shrub grows slowly, does not throw out buds and does not bloom. The shoots become thin and pale, the leaves turn light green or yellow.

Substrate type

The shrub loves slightly acidic soils (pH 6.0-6.5). The substrate should not be heavy (loamy), but not light either, in order to retain water. Abelia loves soil enriched with organic matter: be sure to add humus, forest soil (from deciduous or mixed forest), turf or compost to the soil. Does not tolerate alkaline substrates, grows poorly in poor soils.

Watering

Abelia grandiflora, like its related species, loves moist air and watering in spring and summer. This is a seasonal plant that needs a dormant period of autumn-winter period. At this time, watering is reduced to a minimum and spraying is stopped. When the air temperature drops, watering is automatically reduced. This applies to Abelia grandiflora, Chinese and other types of Abelia, which are brought indoors for the winter. A shrub that winters outside also stops watering in the fall after it has completely bloomed.

Fertilizer

All types of abelia love substrates rich in organic components. To provide good growth And abundant flowering in the spring, the bush is fertilized with mullein, a solution of bird droppings, compost or other organic fertilizers. Abelia chinensis, which winters in open ground, is fed several times - from early spring to late summer.

Abelias that are grown indoors or that overwinter indoors begin to be fed in March-April, when daylight hours have already increased sufficiently. During the same period, the temperature and watering are increased.

Landscape design

Abelia is used for hedges and compositions of flowering perennials.

Note: in the spring, abelia must be pruned: long shoots are shortened by 1/3 or ½ - this stimulates growth and flowering.