Bronze Anniversary® Abelia Plant

Bronze Anniversary® Abelia Plants produce beautiful bronzy-orange foliage that eventually matures to lemon-lime, providing a colorful display all year long, except in the northernmost climates. Known to attract butterflies.

Proven Winners® Bronze Anniversary® Abelia grandiflora 'Rika1' USPP 20,568

Abelia Companion Plants: Iris, Spiraea, Weigela

Planting Instructions:

• - Best planted in early spring or fall to allow for root establishment before either hot or cold extreme temperatures
• - Space plants 2-3 feet apart to accommodate their mature width

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.5, prefers well-drained, fertile soil
• - Enrich soil with organic matter before planting to improve fertility and drainage

Watering Specifics:

• - Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system
• - Once established, Abelia is quite drought-tolerant but benefits from watering during prolonged dry spells

Fertilizer Type:

• - Feed with a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring and again in midsummer to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering
• - Avoid over-fertilization which can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of blooms

Pruning and Training:

• - Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged wood
• - Abelia blooms on new growth, so pruning encourages more flowers

Additional Pest Management:

• - Generally pest-resistant; monitor for occasional aphids or scale
• - Treat infestations early with appropriate insecticides or natural remedies

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 5-9
• - Tolerates a range of temperatures but may require mulching in winter to protect roots in colder zones