Troubleshooting
Abelia 'Edward Goucher' problems — and how to fix them
Abelia 'Edward Goucher' (Abelia x 'Edward Goucher') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Winter dieback
Stem tips and foliage can be damaged in hard frosts at the cold edge of its range; mulch the roots and prune out dead wood in spring, when it usually reshoots from the base.
Sparse flowering
Few blooms result from too much shade or over-pruning; site in full sun and prune lightly after flowering since blooms form on new wood.
Leggy habit
Older plants thin out and flop; rejuvenate by removing a third of the oldest stems at the base in late winter to promote dense new growth.
Aphids
Soft new shoots attract aphids causing distortion and honeydew; rinse off with water or use insecticidal soap and encourage natural predators.
Prevent abelia 'edward goucher' problems before they start
Most abelia 'edward goucher' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for abelia 'edward goucher' in general rather than its problems? Read the full abelia 'edward goucher' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Abelia 'Edward Goucher' problems — FAQ
Why is my abelia 'edward goucher' winter dieback?
Stem tips and foliage can be damaged in hard frosts at the cold edge of its range; mulch the roots and prune out dead wood in spring, when it usually reshoots from the base.
Why is my abelia 'edward goucher' sparse flowering?
Few blooms result from too much shade or over-pruning; site in full sun and prune lightly after flowering since blooms form on new wood.
Why is my abelia 'edward goucher' leggy habit?
Older plants thin out and flop; rejuvenate by removing a third of the oldest stems at the base in late winter to promote dense new growth.
Why is my abelia 'edward goucher' aphids?
Soft new shoots attract aphids causing distortion and honeydew; rinse off with water or use insecticidal soap and encourage natural predators.