Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Pruning
Ed Goucher abelia does not require pruning. However, it can be pruned or sheared on an as needed basis to maintain a desired shape but doing so might remove flower buds or blooms. Ed Goucher is also one of those plants that responds well to rejuvenation pruning. If the plant becomes overgrown or thins out with age, just cut it almost all the way back and it will quickly reestablish itself. Cease pruning about two months before the first frost date in your area to avoid forcing new growth that might be damaged by an early frost.

Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Planting
Plant Ed Goucher abelia in sites that provide well-drained soil and full sun to light shade. Consistently wet soil can be a killer of these drought tolerant plants. When established, abelias require little if any supplemental irrigation, even during drought. Ed Goucher is a good selection for a mid-size hedge or the flowering shrub border.

To plant, dig a hole no deeper than the root ball and two to three times the width of the root ball and fill it with water. If the hole drains within a few hours, you have good drainage. If the water is still standing 12 hours later, improve the drainage in your bed, perhaps by establishing a raised bed or raised mound.

Turn and break up the soil removed from the planting hole. If the native soil is compacted or heavy clay amend with organic compost or a good soil amendment at a 50/50 ratio.

Remove your plant from its container and carefully but firmly loosen the roots around the surface of the root ball.

Set the plant into the hole you've prepared, making sure the top of the root ball is slightly above the soil level. Pull your backfill soil mixture around the root ball in the hole, tamping as you go to remove air pockets.

After planting, water thoroughly and apply a one to two-inch layer of mulch around the plant.

Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Feeding
I fertilize abelias with a well-balanced shrub & tree type fertilizer one time a year; after new growth begins to emerge in spring. That being said, you can always provide a second application of fertilizer in late summer or early fall.

Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Problems
I've seen no pest or disease problems with Ed Goucher abelia. Overly moist or wet soil could cause problems with the roots.