Abelia Plant Guide: How to Grow and Care for Abelias

Native to eastern Asian and northern Mexico, Abelia plants are flowering shrubs that feature thin branches with dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and pointed. The foliage colors and flower colors will often change with the seasons.

The flowers are tubular and fragrant and often attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Abelias average 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, and are semi-evergreen, which means their green foliage remains for most of the season. Foliage may remain green year-round in warmer climates.

The Abelias genus and common name is in honor of the British naturalist Clarke Abel, who was the first to collect abelia specimens from China in 1817. The Abelia genus includes more than 30 species of evergreen and deciduous shrubs, and is closely related to the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) plant.

There are many varieties of abelia which have their own bloom times and foliage colors.

1. 1. Glossy abelia (Abelia × grandiflora): Also called Linnaea × grandiflora, this abelia features white flowers and glossy-green leaves. It is a cross between A. chinensis and A. uniflora, and is a popular choice for gardens due to its long bloom season from June to October.
2. 2. ‘Kaleidoscope’ abelia (Abelia x grandiflora ‘kaleidoscope’): This abelia features white flowers and is known for its eye-catching, confetti-like leaves that change dramatically from golden yellows in the spring and late summer, to oranges and reds in the fall.
3. 3. ‘Rose Creek’ abelia (Abelia x chinensis): This abelia features glossy leaves that turn bronze in the fall, fragrant flowers that change from pinkish to white, and dark crimson branches.
4. 4. ‘Canyon Creek’ abelia (Abelia x ‘Canyon Creek’): This abelia features lilac-pink flowers and glossy, dark green leaves that turn a bright, bronzy red in the fall.
5. 5. ‘Edward Goucher’ abelia (Abelia x ‘Edward Goucher’): This abelia features purplish-white flowers with variegated foliage that is edged with bronze in the fall.
6. 6. Sweet abelia (Abelia mosanensis): This abelia features flowers that grow as pink buds and change into a bluish-white color. The flowers have a fragrance similar to jasmine.

The best time to plant abelias is during the early spring, early summer, or when temperatures are mild. Once you’re ready to plant your abelias:

• Choose and prepare the area. Abelias prefer full sun or partial shade areas. They will grow best in soil that is slightly acidic and drains well. You can also add organic compost or mulch to increase the acidity in the soil.
• Dig a hole as deep as the roots and twice as wide. When you place the abelia in the hole, the tops of the roots should only be slightly above the soil.
• Prepare the plant's roots. Remove the plant and very gently tease out the roots. Be careful not to damage the roots during this process.
• Plant the abelia. With your abelia placed in the ground, fill in the hole and tamp down the soil. Water so that the plant has moist soil but the area is not drenched.

Abelia shrubs are generally very low-maintenance, hardy plants that require little attention:

1. 1. Watering: Abelias will perform well with regular watering, or roughly two to three times a week. They are known to be drought-tolerant and will generally stay healthy even with low amounts of water.
2. 2. Pruning: It’s best to prune your abelia in late winter or early spring, or when new growth begins. To prune your abelia, simply remove any damaged or dead branches or flowers to encourage new buds. Some varieties will grow long and thin shoots from the trunk or branches, which you can remove when they appear.
3. 3. Pests or diseases: Abelias rarely have serious pests or diseases, although sometimes aphids may gather on the leaves. You can easily remove them by spraying the leaves with a garden hose. Abelias are known for being deer resistant, so there’s no need to worry about them being eaten in your garden.

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