Description

Abelia –

Named after a British physician Dr. Clarke Abel.  This genus contains 30 species ornamental evergreen and deciduous shrubs.  This genus belongs to Caprifoliaceae or honeysuckle family. Found in Northern Hemisphere, from eastern Asia to Mexico.

These plants usually have glossy opposite leaves and funnel form or tubular flowers usually white or pinkish sometimes with orange blotches, some also have reddish sepals, which add to their ornamental appeal.

Can be individual planted or as a hedge. Abelia’s thrive in any well-drained and moderately fertile soil, either sun or slight shade.  Abelia’s are moderately frost hardy, so sheltered away from cold/drying winds. Best pruned in late fall, cut flowering branches and some older growth to ground, keep arching habit.

Prone to anthracnose, leaf spots, powdery mildew, and fungal root rots occur.

A. floriunda– This plant native to Southern Mexicans mountains is mostly an evergreen shrub with some what of a open habit, grows to 6 feet tall and in breadth and bears clusters of bright rose carmine flowers, 2″ long, trumpet in shape, carried on arching branches from early summer to autumn. This species is less cold hardy and should be sheltered from cold winds.

Zones 8-11