Abelia

Abelia Varieties and Care Guide

Scientific Name: Abelia x grandiflora (for most hybrids)

Common Names: Abelia

General Characteristics

Native to: East Asia and Mexico (varies by species)

Lighting Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

Height: 3 to 6 feet (varies by variety)

Width: 3 to 6 feet (varies by variety)

Winter Look: Semi-evergreen to evergreen; foliage may change color or drop depending on the variety

Seasonal Interest: Spring to fall blooms; many varieties have colorful or variegated foliage

Drought Tolerance: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established

Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil, loam, or rich (they tolerate my clay soil, and rocky limestone soil)

pH Range: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9 (varies slightly by species and cultivar)

Deer Resistance: Moderately resistant

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Notes: Ideal for hedges or as specimens.

Key Varieties

1. Glossy Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora)

   • The most common variety, known for its glossy, dark green foliage and white to pale pink tubular flowers.

   • Grows 4-6 feet tall and wide.

2. Ed Goucher Abelia

   • Compact with lavender-pink flowers.

   • Grows 3-5 feet tall and wide.

3. Kaleidoscope Abelia

   • Known for its vibrant variegated foliage: yellow, green, and red tones, especially in cooler seasons.

   • Compact, growing 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.

   • Adds year-round color.

4. Miss Lemon Abelia

   • Features creamy white variegation on light green foliage.

   • Grows 3-4 feet tall and wide.

5. Canyon Creek Abelia

   • New foliage emerges bronze, maturing to yellow-green, with soft pink blooms.

   • Grows 4-5 feet tall and wide.

   • Brings warmth to landscapes.

6. Rose Creek Abelia

   • Dark green foliage with a hint of bronze in colder months.

   • Profuse pinkish-white blooms.

   • Compact at 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.

These are just a few varieties that offer diverse foliage colors and growth habits, making them versatile for various landscape designs. Abelias are in my top 5 list of awesome plants! My advice is to keep a note of which variety you have just in case you need to replace it or match one in the future. Some look very similar until you see them side by side.