Tres Amigos® Abelia

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun to keep the tri-color foliage vibrant and the flower count high. While it tolerates partial shade, the pink and burgundy tones will likely fade to a more uniform green without enough light.
• Soil: Plant in well-drained soil rich in organic matter to prevent root rot. If you have heavy clay, mix in some compost or aged bark to improve drainage and help the roots breathe.

Watering Requirements

Water your new Abelia twice a week during its first growing season to help the root system reach deep into the soil. Once the plant is established, it becomes quite drought tolerant and typically only needs supplemental water during long periods of extreme heat. Inconsistent watering during the summer can lead to scorched leaf edges and fewer fragrant blooms.

Pruning Tips

This shrub blooms on new wood, so you should handle any major shaping in late winter or very early spring before new growth starts. Think of it like a spring refresh where you remove any winter damaged tips to make room for the vigorous new branches that carry the flowers. Regular light tipping helps maintain its naturally mounded shape and encourages a denser flush of variegated leaves.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer designed for flowering shrubs in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high nitrogen lawn fertilizers near the plant in late summer because this forces soft growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. A single application in the spring provides all the fuel needed for a full season of color.