Abélia : planting, growing tips, pruning, maintenance

Botany

Abelia is a bush from the Caprifoliaceae family, native to China. The genus includes about thirty species, which can be deciduous, semi-evergreen, or even evergreen in mild climates.

Among the most common varieties, we find Abelia x grandiflora, undoubtedly the best-known and most vigorous of all Abelia. It has given rise to remarkable cultivars or hybrids such as ‘Kaleidoscope’, ‘Francis Mason’ with variegated foliage, and ‘Sherwood’. There is also Abelia x grandiflora ‘Edward Goucher’, a hybrid variety that is more cold-resistant, being the hardiest of the Abelia (-15 °C).

The Abelia (x) grandiflora Confetti is a recent horticultural hybrid derived from Abelia (x) grandiflora, resulting from the cross-breeding of Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora, valued for its variegated foliage and modest size, similar to the cultivar ‘Prostrata’, which is also cream-variegated.

The highly floriferous and vigorous Abelia x Grandiflora has given rise to many interesting cultivars

The Abelia chinensis, also known as Chinese Abelia, exudes a powerful fragrance, while Abelia floribunda is a species that should be trained in the sun, and Abelia triflora is the largest (5 m) and most fragrant, with its flowers grouped in threes at the axil of the leaves.

Among the rarer varieties, we also find the remarkably fragrant Abelia zanderi, a little-known, hardy Chinese species with a compact and spreading habit, and Abelia schumannii, which produces violet-pink flowers marked with orange.

Of moderately fast growth, depending on the growing conditions, Abelia can reach 2.5 m in height with a spread of 2 to 3 m in 5 years. In our gardens, most are of modest size and often do not exceed 1.8 m in height. Varieties with variegated foliage grow more slowly and are more delicate.

There are even recently introduced dwarf varieties, such as Abelia (x) Pastel Charm®, developed by Minier nurseries, which will not exceed 1 m in all directions.

The habit varies depending on the species and varieties; arching, gracefully trailing in Abelia ‘Edward Goucher’, semi-trailing in A. ‘Francis Mason’, rounded and flexible in Abelia x grandiflora, naturally compact in Abelia (x) grandiflora Sunny Charm®, bushy and spreading in Abelia chinensis.

Abelia offers a long, fragrant flowering period that lasts throughout the summer, from June to September-October, depending on the climate, when few shrubs are still in bloom. In spring, its floral shoots are very decorative. However, it is in the heart of summer that its flowering is most generous: a profusion of small trumpet-shaped flowers in white-pink, lilac-pink, light lavender, cherry-pink, or even golden yellow appear, grouped in terminal panicles at the tips of the young branches.

After flowering, the flowers give way to calyxes composed of persistent russet bracts on the shrub

Sometimes the inside of the corolla, pure white, pink, or pale yellow, offers a nice contrast in hue with a slightly deeper reverse, powdery pink or white-mauve. These countless small tubular corollas (A. floribunda) or funnel-shaped, 2 to 5 cm long, consist of 2 to 5 funnel-shaped sepals that continue until autumn.

They exude a fresh fragrance, varying in intensity, reminiscent of lilac, jasmine mixed with hyacinth, which fills summer evenings. They are highly visited by butterflies and other pollinators. The flowering is followed by the appearance of fruits, the achenes, which contain only a single seed.

Each is delicately enclosed in a pink, bright pink, green, or even brown-red calyx, depending on the variety, which persists well after the flowers have fallen. Once faded, the flowers give way to these calyxes composed of abundant coppery bracts that persist for a long time on the shrub, creating a sumptuous echo with the purple-bronze autumn foliage.

In autumn, the leaves often take on sumptuous violet, reddish, and bronze-reflecting hues that persist for a long time on the branches, unless frosts take them away

This beautiful shrub has a more or less evergreen foliage depending on the mildness of the climate. From spring, it reveals its young shoots and often reddish branches. This more or less arching and particularly decorative branch structure bears small oval to rounded leaves, more or less dentate, 3 to 8 cm long, opposite or sometimes grouped in clusters.

Dark green and glossy throughout the summer for most, they are remarkably variegated in some, offering golden foliage with changing reflections depending on the seasons: Abelia ‘Confetti’ has light green leaves edged in cream-white that reveal beautiful pink hues as the first frosts arrive, while Abelia grandiflora ‘Francis Mason’ has dark green foliage variegated with golden yellow.

Low-maintenance and easy to grow, Abelia thrives in sunny or partially shaded locations, sheltered from cold and drying winter winds. It is not demanding regarding soil type, preferring light, well-drained soils, and can even tolerate poor and calcareous soil. It withstands summer drought well but is sensitive to heavy, waterlogged, and clayey soils.

Although hardy, Abelia prefers mild winters and is ideally grown up to Île-de-France in regions south of the Loire, in Brittany, and in the South-West where winter temperatures do not drop below -10 °C to -12 °C, even for the more vigorous grandiflora varieties. It is sensitive to icy winds and severe frosts. However, it tolerates drought quite well and is perfectly resistant to wind and sea spray in coastal gardens. This vigorous shrub is very resistant to most diseases and pests: it has no known enemies.

Abelia is a versatile shrub that fits perfectly into all gardens, thriving in small spaces. It tolerates pollution, making it an excellent urban shrub. Its moderate size and dense silhouette allow for numerous uses: in borders alongside asters, Japanese anemones, tricyrtis, as a specimen, in a grove, in free hedges accompanied by Leycesteria formosa (Desmodium) for a lovely contrast, in flowering hedges with buddleias, kolkwitzia, mock oranges, ceanothus, Caryopteris, Berberis, bush roses, or even a Choisya, in low hedges for dwarf varieties, and even grown in large pots near the entrance in regions with mild winters to fully enjoy its fragrance.

Some varieties like ‘Confetti’, measuring less than 1 m in all directions, make excellent ground covers.

It can be associated with variegated foliage shrubs such as those of Cornus or Photinia. Its somewhat untidy shape will provide a beautiful contrast with plants that have a stricter habit, such as bamboos, pampas grass, or Japanese maples.

Species and main varieties

The most popular

Our favourites

Other interesting varieties

Abelia Edward Goucher

Undoubtedly the hardiest of the abelias!

• Flowering time September to November
• Height at maturity 1,80 m

See the product sheet

Abelia grandiflora Francis Mason

The must-have with golden variegated foliage!

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Abelia grandiflora - Abelia with large flowers

A great classic, beautiful all year round!

• Flowering time August to November
• Height at maturity 2,50 m

See the product sheet

Abelia chinensis

One of the most fragrant

• Flowering time September to November
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Abelia x grandiflora Kaleidoscope

We love its variegated foliage with changing colours

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 80 cm

See the product sheet

Abelia x grandiflora Confetti

A beautiful variety with a compact habit and white-margined foliage

• Flowering time August to November
• Height at maturity 90 cm

See the product sheet

Abelia x grandiflora Sunny Charm MINDUO1

Magnificent with its warm and soft tones!

• Flowering time August to November
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

Abelia grandiflora Pastel Charm

A low variety suitable for small gardens!

• Flowering time August to November
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

Abelia grandiflora Petite Garden

A very floriferous wonder!

• Flowering time August to November
• Height at maturity 90 cm

See the product sheet

Abelia zanderi Little Richard

Compact and rounded, it forms a large floriferous cushion

• Flowering time August to November
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

Abelia grandiflora Sparkling Silver

A beautiful semi-evergreen variegated foliage of white-cream turning purple in autumn

• Flowering time August to November
• Height at maturity 50 cm

See the product sheet

Young plantation

If it is resistant to cold, down to -10/-12°C, the Abelia prefers to settle in regions south of the Loire where winters are relatively mild. It has a good resistance to sea spray. However, it should be planted sheltered from cold, dry winds that can damage the foliage and flowering, especially when young: stake it against a south-facing wall if you wish to attempt its cultivation in a region with harsh winters.

It prefers full sun for optimal flowering but tolerates partial shade well.

Not demanding regarding soil type, it grows in any good garden soil that is well-drained, even calcareous, but especially not too wet: it dislikes heavy, compact, and waterlogged soils. It enjoys soils that remain cool, but as it matures, it will tolerate a periodically dry soil in summer. In cold areas, good mulching is recommended during the first winters or in cases of exceptional cold.

Often wider than tall, the Abelia can be used as a standalone plant, in free-flowing and flowering hedges, or low, in perennial beds or with other bushes, in association with evergreen plants with dark or variegated foliage, to highlight the colours of the flowers, leaves, and branches.

The modest size of some varieties allows for pot cultivation on a terrace or balcony to fully enjoy its remarkable summer fragrance.

→ Discover our advice sheet: Cultivating an Abelia in a pot

When to plant?

Plant the Abelia either in spring in March or in autumn in October. However, it can reasonably be planted from February to May in cold regions and preferably in autumn in warm regions from September to November, avoiding periods of frost or extreme heat.

Planting the Abelia is very easy: it grows in any good well-drained soil

How to plant the Abelia?

Depending on the varieties and use, space the plants 60 cm apart for low and bushy varieties to achieve dense clumps. For taller varieties or for making hedges, space the plants 80 cm to 1.20 m apart.

• Dig a hole three times wider than the root ball and about 50 cm deep
• With some of the excavated soil, create a small mound at the bottom of the hole to support the roots
• Mix the remaining soil with potting soil in equal parts
• Optionally, create a good layer of gravel to ensure perfect drainage
• Place the Abelia in the centre of the hole, with the collar level with the soil
• Bring back the excavated soil to encase the roots and fill the hole
• Keep the bush upright
• Firm down with your foot
• Water generously at planting and weekly during the first year after planting

Pot cultivation

Pot cultivation is possible, especially with low-growing varieties. Repot every three years and regularly prune the bush to contain its growth. Keep the soil cool in summer, apply a generous layer of mulch in winter or bring the pots in to protect them from severe frosts.

Maintenance, pruning and care

Easy to grow, Abelia is simple to cultivate and requires little maintenance. It can be easily pruned with shears or a hedge trimmer every year, depending on the shape you wish to give it (especially when placed in a trimmed hedge), to maintain a compact and balanced habit, promote its growth, and stimulate its flowering. Prune at the end of winter, between February and April, before the new growth begins, removing any crossed, thin, or dead branches at their base, to keep only the most vigorous ones.

→ Also read our tips in our tutorial: How to prune Abelia?

In case of prolonged drought, and during the first two years, monitor the water needs of your bush.

It is advisable to thoroughly mulch the base before winter for the first 3 years after planting. A winter cover can be useful to protect it from severe cold.

Pests and potential diseases

Abelia is never ill, it is resistant to most diseases as well as to pest attacks.

Multiplication

The simplest and quickest method to propagate Abelia is by propagation by cuttings.

By Propagation by Cuttings

Propagation is done using semi-woody cuttings (when the shoots begin to turn into hard wood) in July-August:

• After flowering, take cuttings 6 to 12 cm long
• Insert the cuttings three-quarters into a light (turf and river sand) and well-draining substrate, keeping them spaced 5 cm apart
• Place the tray or pot in the shade outdoors under a mini greenhouse until autumn, then under a frame during winter
• Transplant them into the ground the following spring

Abelia propagates very easily in summer

⇒ To learn more, discover our illustrated tutorial: How to propagate Abelia?

Associate

If you love Abelia for its ease of cultivation, it is also highly appreciated for its ornamental appearance for a good part of the year: in summer, it is covered with a profusion of fragrant white or pink flowers, and then its green or golden foliage takes on fiery copper or bronze hues in autumn.

Abelia can be placed in groups with other bushes or as a standalone, in borders with perennials, as well as in free or trimmed hedges, and even as ground cover for the lower varieties. It offers a beautiful contrast with warm colours, variegated golden foliage, and red-orange leafed shrubs like Photinia.

In a flowering hedge, it will be the perfect companion to Pyracantha, a Caryopteris, Kolkwitzia amabilis or “beauty bush”, Deutzia, Berberis, Philadelphus, Lilacs, bush roses, or even near a Buddleia.

It will look stunning alongside flowering shrubs and those with decorative foliage that will highlight its flowering and its flamboyant foliage in autumn, with which it will be in perfect harmony or, conversely, it will create contrasts; Choisya, Leycesteria formosa, Spiraea, Euonymus, Viburnum, or Cornus.

Its somewhat unruly silhouette will benefit from being paired with plants of a more upright habit such as bamboo, pampas grass, erect panic grass, or Japanese maples.

In a summer border, it can be combined with Delphiniums, Agastaches, hardy geraniums… In autumn, it can be associated with Asters, Japanese Anemones, Tricyrtis, Heleniums…

It also grows very well in a large pot on the terrace to fragrance summer evenings.

Abelia grandiflora-Buddleia davidii ‘Nahno-Blue’-Cornus sanguinea ‘Magic Flame’

→ More ‘association ideas with Abelia in our advice sheet.