Whether an Abelia grandiflora is hardy enough to be grown outdoors depends on the variety. If you are not sure whether your shrub will survive sub-zero temperatures, it is better to care for it in a pot.
Is Abelia grandiflora hardy outdoors?
The winter hardiness of Abelia grandiflora varies depending on the variety. The “Francis Mason” variety is hardy down to -13 degrees and is suitable for the garden. However, the varieties “Prostratra” and “Kaleidoscope” are not hardy and should be grown in a pot and overwintered in a protected room.
Largely hardy variety of Abelia grandiflora
There are mainly three varieties available in garden shops in Germany:
- “Prostratra” white-flowering
- “Kaleidoscope”, white-flowering
- “Francis Mason”, pink-flowering
If you want to keep Abelia grandiflora outdoors, you should choose “Francis Mason” because this variety is largely hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to minus 13 degrees. However, it cannot survive in harsh locations without winter protection.
“Prostratra” and “Kaleidoscope” are not hardy and should therefore be grown in a bucket. Then they can spend the winter in the cool winter garden or well wrapped up on the terrace.
How to protect shrubs in winter
Look for a location in the garden that is as sheltered as possible for the hardy Abelia grandiflora. In front of a wall or in areas with a relatively mild climate, even as a hedge, these varieties survive the winter undamaged.
In rougher locations, spread a thick layer of mulch made of compost or leaves under the bushes. Cover the above-ground branches with fleece or reed mats.
If the winter is very dry, you should give some water on frost-free days so that the bush does not dry out.
Overwinter non-hardy Abelia grandiflora in a pot
Abelia grandiflora overwinters best in a pot in a cool greenhouse or winter garden at temperatures between 5 and 12 degrees.
The plants need to be supplied with water regularly. You are not allowed to fertilize Abelia grandiflora in winter quarters.
Wrapped up well, Abelia grandiflora can survive the winter in a pot, even in a sheltered corner on the terrace. Place the pot on a Styrofoam plate to protect it from the cold from below. Cover the pot and plant with fleece or foil. On frost-free days, pour some water and open the cover regularly to prevent the shrub from rotting.
Tip
Abelia grandiflora blooms from June to October. During this time, depending on the species, it develops white or pink funnel-shaped flowers that exude a wonderful scent.
