| how do I trim my abelia so they are still flowing and bushy and not woody as they have become at the bottom? Do I cut them off low and start again or what? |
| I prune my abelias by reaching into the center of the plant and completely removing some of the oldest stems, right down to ground level. Once the shrub has been thinned out you can lop off the top of the plant to just below the desired height. In the spring new stems will emerge from the ground at the center of the plant, helping it to fill in and not look so leggy. New growth will also emerge from the top of the plant, just below your pruning cuts. The result should be a full and attractive shrub with arching branches and lots of flowers. Next winter you can remove more of the oldest stems, right at ground level. By the third year of pruning you will have removed all of the oldest stems and have lots of healthy new growth - and no more bare woody stems. |
