Prune Abelia for general maintenance in late winter or early spring. Abelia blossoms on new wood, so avoid pruning after spring growth begins. Prune Abelia to maintain size and shape beginning in its third growing season. Select the three longest, thickest interior stems and snip them off near ground level. Continue pruning stems selected in a random, natural-looking pattern until you have removed up to one-third of the plant. To the extent possible, make the cuts on the interior of the shrub so that the pruning is not readily obvious.