ABELIA
Abelia x grandifora
Plant Description
Abelia is an an attractive and colorful evergreen shrub that is a low maintenance solution for any garden. There are a few different varieties of Abelia to consider with most having white, fragrant blooms that extend from spring until fall. Abelia is an underused ornamental shrub with a height between 2'-4' tall in a mounded form that looks best when grouped or planted in an informal hedge. It is also a great solution for waterwise plantings as it is drought resistant for low water situations.
The glossy and fragrant Abelia is wonderful in flower arrangements with it's wood stems and is also a species used for it's ability to attract butterflies to your garden. Several new varieties have been introduced over the last few years which feature some distinctive leaf colors. 'Glossy Abelia' and 'Sherwood' are the varieties most used, but the 'Rose Creek' and 'Edward Goucher' should also be considered with pinkish blooms and a more dwarf form. 'Mardi Gras', 'Kaleidoscope' and 'Twist of Lime' each feature more colorful leaves for a unique splash of color.
Abelia is a very low-maintenance shrub and it can be easily incorporated in your garden more so for its disease resistance capacity, drought tolerance and its ability to adjust to a wide range of soil conditions. Abelia blooms best in full sun but can also bloom in lightly shaded location. Glossy Abelia makes a great border, foundation or hedge plant.
Plant Details
- Pros: Ornamental shrub, white & fragrant blooms, drought resistant, evergreen
- Cons: Woody stems
- Evergreen-Semi Evergreen
- Size: 2-5' height, 3-4' spread
- Light: Sun
- Bloom Color: White, Pink
- Fall Color: None
- Water Needs: Low-Normal
- Similar Plants: Privet