When is the best time to prune?

Late winter or early spring is best, just before new growth starts. This helps the plant recover quickly.

Can I prune it in the summer?

You can do light shaping in the summer, but avoid heavy pruning as it may remove the flower buds for the season.

Why is my Abelia getting so leggy?

Check these first

Observe how many hours of direct sun the plant gets.
Check for overhanging branches blocking the light.
Look at the spacing between the leaf nodes on the stems.

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 plant to a location with more sun if possible. If it is in the ground, you may need to trim back overhanging trees to let more light reach it.
Lack of Pruning
Possible
How to tell: The plant is tall and sparse at the bottom but has some growth at the very tips. It looks overgrown and untidy.
What to do: Prune the plant back by one third in late winter or early spring. This encourages new, bushy growth from the base.

When to worry

Legginess is rarely a sign of a dying plant, but it does make it look less attractive. It is a common issue for older shrubs that have not been trimmed.

Stopping it coming back

Prune your Abelia annually to maintain a compact shape. Ensure it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your abelia.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

Get the app

Questions people ask

When is the best time to prune?: Late winter or early spring is best, just before new growth starts. This helps the plant recover quickly.
Can I prune it in the summer?: You can do light shaping in the summer, but avoid heavy pruning as it may remove the flower buds for the season.