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. graebneriana – Ernest Wilson introduced this rare species from Central China into cultivation in 1910. It=s a medium size shrub that grows to about 6 feet high and breadth.  The young shoots are reddish and the leaves glossy green and slightly pointed.  The flowers have sepals which is unusual for an Abelia being apricot-pink in color with a yellow throat.

Zones 8-10