Abelia

Abelia is a genus of flowering shrubs in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. These plants are known for their graceful, arching form, attractive foliage, and long-lasting, fragrant blooms. While the genus itself has been redefined in recent years, the most common species in cultivation is the hybrid Abelia × grandiflora, often called glossy abelia.

Key Characteristics

• Appearance: Abelia shrubs typically have a mounding, arching growth habit, reaching heights of 2 to 10 feet. The leaves are opposite or in whorls of three, glossy, and can range from green to yellow, with some varieties having hints of rose, orange, bronze, or burgundy. The foliage of many varieties changes color in the fall.
• Flowers: One of the most notable features of abelia is its extended blooming period, which can last from late spring to fall. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and usually fragrant, appearing in clusters at the ends of stems. They are typically white or pink.
• Habit: Some species are evergreen in warmer climates, while others are deciduous in colder regions. They are generally considered semi-evergreen, meaning they retain some of their leaves through the winter.

Care and Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Abelia thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best foliage color and flower production occur with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Soil: They prefer well-drained, fertile soil. While they can tolerate a range of soil types, they do best in soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
• Watering: Once established, abelia is moderately drought-tolerant. However, new plants require regular watering, especially during the first year, to help them establish a strong root system.
• Pruning: Abelia blooms on new wood, so it is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning helps to maintain the plant’s shape and encourages more blooms.
• Hardiness: Hardiness varies by species and cultivar, but most are hardy in USDA zones 4-11. In colder zones, the plant may die back to the ground in winter but will often re-sprout in the spring.

Common Uses

Abelia is a versatile shrub that is used in a variety of landscape applications. Its graceful form and long blooming period make it an excellent choice for:

• Foundation plantings
• Hedges and screens
• Borders
• Mass plantings
• Container gardens (especially dwarf varieties)

Abelia is also attractive to pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is considered to be deer-resistant.