Abelia not growing

9 years ago

Last year, I got a clearance rose creek abelia at lowes. It was lopsided and had lots of dead wood, so I decided to do rejuvenation pruning on it in February. Here is a photo right after planting:

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It looks ok from the front, but horrible from the sides. Now it is starting to re-grow from rejuvenation pruning, but it is growing really slowly, and it isn't growing any flowers. Here is a picture today after I watered it:

It is in full sun, it has been mulched and planted properly, and it was lightly fertilized this may. What am I doing wrong?

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tete_a_tete

9 years ago

So, the first pic is before the 'rejuvenating pruning' and the second pic is after the rejuvenating pruning?

I think you lost control of the secateurs. It happens. Put it down to experience and move on, but first, put away the secateurs.

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Comments (10)

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
9 years ago
Yes. It looked fine before. Abelia isn't a formal shaped shrub. Leave the poor thing in peace and redirect your energy to the weedy creeping grasses.
Logan L Johnson thanked floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
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laceyvail 6A, WV
9 years ago
And it was scarcely established before you whacked away at it.
LaLennoxa 6a/b Hamilton ON
9 years ago
I'm sure the above responses are quite valid, but don't forget, according to what Logan wrote, the abelia was purchased and planted last year, and that's when the first photo was taken. And then it got its severe haircut in February - perhaps there was more dead wood after the season? Anyway, those who know better have probably summed it up well...leave it be...
Logan L Johnson thanked LaLennoxa 6a/b Hamilton ON
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
9 years ago
And get rid of the crabgrass!
Logan L Johnson thanked Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
9 years ago
I'll channel logan.....get rid of it, cut it down. :-0
LaLennoxa 6a/b Hamilton ON
9 years ago
Poor Logan...they are going to be merciless with you!
Logan L Johnson
Original Author
9 years ago
"I'm sure the above responses are quite valid, but don't forget, according to what Logan wrote, the abelia was purchased and planted last year, and that's when the first photo was taken. And then it got its severe haircut in February"

Yes, that is correct.

"Yes. It looked fine before. Abelia isn't a formal shaped shrub. Leave the poor thing in peace and redirect your energy to the weedy creeping grasses."

I want the natural shape, it was just one-sided. On the other sides, and the back, there was no growth. It was dead. Mostly because of how it was sandwiched between other shrubs for months at lowes before I bought it.

"And get rid of the crabgrass!"

Yeah, I was cleaning out another bed yesterday, weeding, pruning, mulching, etc. and I'll probably get this one after I finish that one. I need to weed and cut back those yellow-leaved daylilies.

"I'll channel logan.....get rid of it, cut it down. :-0"
Lol, maybe I deserve that..........
cecily
9 years ago
On another topic... looks like you've got bearded iris in that bed as well. In my climate (clay soil & 40" annual rainfall), bearded iris that are mulched rot. My iris are in the hottest, sunniest, driest area of my gardens with no mulch and no soil amendments.
Logan L Johnson
Original Author
9 years ago
This iris doesn't bloom when it isn't mulched. This area is too sunny. I had knock out roses there but they suffered in the heat. I have lots of bearded iris that are mulched. Some of which belonged to my great grandmother. I do, however, try to keep the mulch pulled back away from the plant so it isn't in there too deep. I have yellow flag irises too, but they only grow up a few inches tall and never bloom. I also have hostas, and a dwarf loropetalum that I will be moving to a different location this fall.