Korean abelia (Abelia mosanensis)

• Species: Korean abelia, Abelia mosanensis
• Height: about 1.5–2 m
• Spread: about 1.5–2 m
• Flowering: May–June, pink fragrant flowers
• Foliage: deciduous, red-orange in autumn
• Light: full sun or light shade
• Soil: fertile, well drained, pH 6–7
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5–6, protect young plants
• Supplied as: pot

Planting. Plant in spring after the last frosts in a warm, sheltered, sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil (pH 6–7). Dig a hole twice the root ball width, space plants 1.5 m apart and mulch after planting.

Care. Abelia is undemanding but dislikes standing water and strong wind. Loosen the soil, add compost and remove frost-damaged shoots in spring once the buds open.

Watering and feeding. Water regularly for the first two years; established shrubs need water only in drought. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring and repeat in June for abundant flowering.

Winter and pruning. In Estonia protect young shrubs in the first winters with spruce boughs or 10 cm of mulch at the base (USDA zones 5–6, species data). Prune after flowering, removing frost-killed and old shoots and shaping the bush.