Abelia: characteristics, care and curiosity

It was the early nineteenth century when the doctor Clarke Abel, during one of his trips to China, devoted himself to the study of the flora of the place. Among the varieties of flowers and plants classified discovered the Abelia Chinensis, or more commonly Abelia.
It is correct to specify that Abelia is the generic name of a wider list of species all belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family.
From the usually reddish or green leaves and from the pink and white flowers, the most common species of Abelia, such as Chinensis and Floribunda, but also others like the Grandiflora, are mainly used to adorn gardens and vases, thanks to the conspicuous number of flowers that it produces, to the different solutions and fields of use to which it lends itself and above all for its ability to remain green from the spring until after the end of the summer.

Cultivation

The flowering of Abelia is lush and constant for all the summer and spring months, on the contrary it suffers a bit ‘the harsh temperatures of winter. For these reasons it is advisable already in mid-autumn to provide a substantial pruning, which will allow our plants to be ready for spring.
Although the Abelia is known as a resistant and generous plant, it still needs to be watered with a fair constancy, at least once a week, with the addition of fertilizer every fortnight, the normal fertilizer for flowers will be fine.
For the cultivation and decanting it is sufficient the classic hole, preferably with a base of sand and soil.

Diseases

Almost all varieties of Abelia are quite resistant shrubs but, like all plants, they are not immune to parasitic attacks, mainly aphids.
On the market you can find different specific products to combat these parasites, both chemical and biological compounds. If you prefer natural homemade methods, a simple decoction of garlic to be sprayed directly on the leaves is very effective. It is very simple to make it, just boil a head of garlic in quarters in half a liter of water for five minutes.
Another natural and effective method is to blend a handful of peppers into two glasses of water, after a night at rest the infusion will be ready to be sprayed on the leaves.
There are also other methods, such as tomato macerate, which are used to defend various vegetables and crops and which can also be used to protect our Abelia plants.

Curiosity

Like all things from the East, Abelia also boasts beliefs and curiosities. The ancient Chinese used it for ritual purposes, they believed it could protect the inhabitants, including domestic animals, of the house.
They also attributed to it the meaning of expression of trust in their strengths and concentration in difficult moments.