Will pruning make it grow back?

Yes, pruning triggers the plant to send out new side shoots. It will look much fuller after a few weeks.

Can I prune in the summer?

It is best to wait until after the main flowering flush. Light trimming is fine, but save heavy pruning for late winter.

Why is my glossy abelia looking so leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Measure the hours of direct sunlight the plant gets.
Look for signs of crowding from nearby plants.
Check if the stems are flexible or brittle.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move the shrub to a sunnier location if possible. If it is in the ground, prune back the long stems to encourage fuller growth.
Lack of pruning
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks sparse and woody at the base. It has not been trimmed in several years.
What to do: Prune the plant back by one third in late winter or early spring. This stimulates new, dense growth from the base.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your glossy abelia

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Legginess is rarely fatal but makes the plant look thin. It is normal for an older, unpruned abelia to lose some density at the bottom.

Stopping it coming back

Prune your abelia lightly every year after it finishes flowering to maintain a compact shape.

Glossy abelia: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your glossy abelia and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will pruning make it grow back?: Yes, pruning triggers the plant to send out new side shoots. It will look much fuller after a few weeks.
Can I prune in the summer?: It is best to wait until after the main flowering flush. Light trimming is fine, but save heavy pruning for late winter.

Why is my glossy abelia looking so leggy?