Glossy Abelia Abelia × grandiflora Magic Daydream = 'Opstal103'

Water

Glossy Abelia should be watered deeply to ensure moisture reaches the roots, but frequency should be moderated to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. On average, watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water should suffice, though this may vary depending on climate and soil conditions. During hot and dry spells, increase the frequency to twice a week, ensuring the plant receives ample hydration. However, during the winter dormant period, water sparingly, reducing the amount to only when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Light

Glossy Abelia thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Planting it in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day will encourage optimal blooming and growth. While the plant can tolerate some shade, too much will result in fewer flowers and a less dense habit.

Temperature

Glossy Abelia is hardy in a wide range of temperatures and can endure minimum winter temperatures down to about 5°F. Ideally, it prefers to grow in a climate where average temperatures range between 60°F and 90°F. Although it is resilient, prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing may damage the plant, so providing protection in extreme cold is beneficial.

Pruning

Prune Glossy Abelia to shape the plant, encourage bushiness, and remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It can also be lightly pruned throughout the summer to maintain a desired shape, but heavy pruning should be avoided after mid-summer to ensure flower buds set for the next season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Glossy Abelia prefers well-draining soil with a high content of organic matter. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite to aid drainage would be ideal. The optimal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5.

Repotting

Glossy Abelia, being a shrub, is typically planted outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, young plants may need repotting every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current pot.

Humidity & Misting

Glossy Abelia thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. It does not have specific humidity requirements and can tolerate a wide range of conditions typical of temperate climates.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and avoid too dry air.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

The glossy abelia 'Magic Daydream' starts its life cycle when its seeds germinate, typically in warm, moist soil conditions. The seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants, establishing a root system and producing foliage. As the shrub matures, it enters the vegetative stage, where it grows stems and leaves in preparation for flowering. Upon reaching maturity, the abelia blooms, producing fragrant, tubular flowers that attract pollinators, which is usually during late spring to fall. After pollination, the flowers may develop into seed capsules, allowing the plant to reproduce and disperse seeds for the next generation. Over time, the plant may enter a period of decline due to age or environmental stresses, completing its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: Abelia × grandiflora Magic Daydream, commonly known as Glossy Abelia, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings. The ideal time for this process is generally late spring to early summer, when the new growth is still tender and hasn't fully matured or hardened. To propagate via softwood cuttings, one would take a cutting of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) from the tip of a healthy stem. It's important to make a clean cut just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves. The cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development, and then placed in a well-draining soil mix or potting medium to take root. A high humidity environment is beneficial for rooting, so covering the cutting with a plastic bag or placing it in a greenhouse is often recommended. After a few weeks, once the cutting has developed roots, it can be transplanted into its permanent location.