Abelia large-flowered: rules for planting and caring for a plant
Abelia grandiflora is one of the many types of ornamental shrubs. The plant is very popular among flower growers, as it does not need special care, but at the same time pleases with long flowering. If abelia is properly grown, then flowering can be observed from June to September.
Caring for abelia at home
Air temperature
Bushes should be grown at temperatures from +20 to +25 ° C. In winter, the flowerpot with the plant must be taken out into the room, where the thermometer readings will be within + 10-14 ° C. If this is not possible, then it is recommended to rearrange the container to the north window and away from heating appliances.
Lighting
In order for the bush to please with long flowering, you need to keep it on windows that are well lit by the sun. Abelia does not tolerate shade and partial shade.
In the hot period of the day, the flower must be shaded. If this is not done, then the rays that will fall on the leaves can harm the bush.
Pruning
The plant tolerates this procedure poorly enough, therefore, branches should be removed if absolutely necessary. Abelia pruning is recommended in spring. This must be done in such a way that under each shoot there is an awakened bud.
The abelia trimming procedure should be carried out only with the help of a sharp instrument, which must be pre-treated with alcohol.
Watering
Abelia loves a lot of moisture. Water must be systematically watered throughout spring and all summer. Closer to winter, the number of procedures should be halved. It is recommended to use only warm and clean water for irrigation. Before use, it must be kept at room temperature for 24 hours. This time will be enough for the liquid to settle.
As for the humidity of the air, the plant is not demanding for this indicator.
Do not keep a flowerpot with a plant in a draft or in a cold room.
Choosing a substrate and feeding
Abelia can grow in different soils, but most of all she likes acidified soils. The flower feels great in drained substrates. You can buy soil for planting in a specialized store or prepare it yourself.
To do this, you need to connect:
- rough soil;
- sheet soil;
- fine-grained sand;
- small part humus;
- peat.
In order to maintain the desired level of acidity in the substrate, a small amount of crushed pine bark should be added to the soil.
As for fertilization, the mixture should be applied twice a month in spring and summer. It is at this time that the bush develops best. At the end of autumn, all fertilizing must be canceled. This is necessary so that the bush can recover its strength during the winter months. It is best to use organics to fertilize abelia. But if this is not possible, then you can use mineral remedies.
How Abelia grandiflorum reproduces
The large-flowered species can be grown from seeds and cuttings. If you plant abelia with grains, then they need to be planted in January. In order for the seedlings to sprout faster, they need to be watered systematically and abundantly.It is also recommended to cover the container on top with polyethylene or transparent glass. Such a mini-greenhouse will speed up seed germination at times.
As soon as the first shoots appear above the soil surface, it is recommended to remove the shelter, and move the flowerpot to a warm room.
After the appearance of several leaves, the seedlings dive. If everything is done correctly, then the first flowering can be observed in the year of planting.
As for reproduction by cuttings, they are separated in early spring, before sap flow appears. The cuttings should be about 5 cm long. Before planting in a permanent place, they must be rooted. For this, peat, sand and perlite are used. The resulting substrate must be watered abundantly, and then all the cuttings must be placed in it.
The planting material should be kept at a temperature not lower than +25 ° С. After 2 weeks, the first roots will appear. After the cuttings are well rooted, they can be transplanted into a separate container by transshipment. The disadvantage of this breeding method is that the Abelia will begin to bloom only in the third year after planting.
Abelia large-flowered is a flower of extraordinary beauty that has a beautiful appearance. If the bush is properly looked after, then it will delight with its flowers for several months.