Plant abelia in spring or fall, with the top of the root ball even with the soil.
Plant in spring or fall, with the root ball even with the soil
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | Early spring or early fall, when the soil is workable | Do not plant into a heat wave, or into frozen ground |
| Depth | Top of the root ball even with the surrounding soil, or a little high | Do not bury the crown in a deep hole |
| Hole | As deep as the root ball and two to three times as wide, on ground that drains | Do not pack a wet clay cup around the ball |
| Room | 4 to 6 ft for a screen; closer, about 3 to 5 ft, for an informal hedge | Do not treat a 6-foot arching shrub as a 12-inch edging plant |
Set the top of the root ball even with the surrounding soil, or a little high. Burying it invites rot. Give an arching shrub room — a standard plant spreads several feet. [1] glossy abelia and Little Richard take that same crown-high set. [2]
How far apart should I plant abelia for a hedge?
About 3 to 5 feet apart for an informal hedge. 4 to 6 feet for a privacy screen. Compact kinds can go closer. Measure to the mature spread, not the nursery pot.
How to plant abelia
Plant one nursery plant at a time in spring or fall, with the root ball at grade, then water to settle.
- Wait until early spring or early fall when the soil is workable, so roots have time before a hard freeze or a heat wave. [3]
- Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and two to three times as wide. Tease circling roots.
- Set the ball at the same depth as the nursery pot. Leave the top even with the soil, or slightly above it.
- Backfill with the soil you dug, firm, and water in. Keep mulch a few inches off the stems.
- Space plants 4 to 6 feet apart for a screen, or closer — about 3 to 5 feet — for an informal hedge. [4] After that, first-season water sits on How to Grow Abelia.
When do I plant abelia?
Early spring or early fall when the soil is workable. Give roots time before a hard freeze. Do not plant into a heat wave.
If you buried the crown in wet soil, lift it now and reset it at grade — do not wait for a soft stem.
FAQ
Can I plant abelia in summer?
Only if you can water it through the first heat. Spring or fall is easier on a new root ball.
Do I mix fertilizer into the hole?
No. Backfill with the soil you removed, and water once to settle.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Better Homes & Gardens -
https://www.bhg.com/how-to-plant-and-grow-glossy-abelia-8417349 - [2] Wilson Bros Gardens -
https://www.wilsonbrosgardens.com/planting-and-caring-for-abelia-shrubs.html - [3] UF/IFAS -
https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP001 - [4] Gardening Know How -
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/abelia/planting-abelia-bushes.htm
This note is part of Abelia Guides.
More planting notes by plant are gathered in Planting Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors