Abeliophyllum distichum

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Abeliophyllum distichum thrives in full sun for the best flowering but will tolerate light partial shade.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Works well in loamy, sandy, or chalky soils but avoid areas prone to prolonged waterlogging.

• pH Range: Grows well in neutral to slightly alkaline soils (pH 6.5–7.5).

• Moisture Needs: Benefits from consistent moisture during the growing season, especially in dry spells, but dislikes soggy roots.

• Planting Time: Best planted in autumn or early spring while the soil is warm and moist, allowing time for root establishment before extremes of temperature.

• Spacing: Allow 1.5–2 metres between plants for mature spread and airflow.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large pots using a good-quality, free-draining compost. Ideal for patios where flowers and fragrance can be appreciated up close.

• Positioning Tips: Excellent for mixed borders, near paths, or close to seating areas where the early-spring perfume can be enjoyed.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering: Water regularly in the first two years until the plant is well established. Once mature, water during dry spells, especially in summer.

• Feeding: In early spring, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer or a mulch of well-rotted compost to promote strong growth and flowering.

• Pruning:

  • Prune immediately after flowering in early spring to maintain shape and encourage healthy new shoots for next year’s blooms.

  • Remove any dead, damaged, or congested branches to improve airflow.

• Mulching: Apply a 5 cm layer of mulch around the base in spring to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and enrich the soil—keep mulch away from direct stem contact.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest- and disease-free. Occasional aphids or mildew may occur but rarely cause serious damage.

• Winter Care: Hardy in most UK and Irish gardens (H5). In very cold or exposed areas, provide a sheltered position to protect buds from late frosts.

• Propagation: Can be propagated from semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering in early autumn.

Flowering, Fragrance, and Garden Value

• Flowering Season: Produces masses of fragrant white to pale pink flowers from late winter to early spring (February–March), often before the leaves appear.

• Fragrance: Noted for its sweet, almond-like scent, which carries well in mild breezes—perfect for planting near entrances and walkways.

• Foliage: Deciduous, with slender green leaves appearing after the flowers, turning yellow in autumn before falling.

• Wildlife Benefits: Early blooms provide a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators emerging from winter.

• Ornamental Value: Offers both visual and scented interest during a quiet time in the garden year, making it a prized shrub for early-season colour.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Ideal as a specimen shrub for focal points.

  • Works well in spring shrub borders alongside forsythia, magnolia, or flowering currants.

  • Suitable for courtyard gardens and fragrance-themed planting schemes.

• Longevity and Growth: A long-lived shrub with a naturally graceful, arching habit, typically reaching 1.5–2 metres in height and spread.

• Companion Planting: Combines beautifully with hellebores, snowdrops, and early-flowering bulbs for a stunning late-winter display.

• Size
  C 4,6

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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