Exploring the Diverse World of Abelia Plants

Abelias are a genus of flowering shrubs that belong to the honeysuckle family. With over 30 different species, they come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors. Abelias are popular ornamental plants, valued for their long blooming season and year-round interest. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the different types of abelia plants and what makes each one unique.

Abelias are deciduous or evergreen shrubs that originate from eastern Asia, Mexico, and parts of the United States They produce delicate, tubular flowers from summer through fall that attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. Their leaves often take on beautiful hues in autumn as well.

While they thrive in warm climates, many abelia varieties are cold hardy and can withstand freezing winters. They are also quite drought and heat tolerant. This versatility makes them ideal for gardens and landscapes across different growing zones.

Abelias are low-maintenance shrubs once established. They can be pruned to maintain a neat shape and size. With minimal care these flowering bushes will provide color and interest for many years.

13 Popular Types of Abelia

Let’s explore some of the most popular abelia varieties gardeners love to grow

1. Glossy Abelia

One of the most common abelia species is glossy abelia (Abelia x grandiflora). It grows 3-6 feet tall and wide, with arching green branches bearing shiny, dark green leaves. Clusters of lightly fragrant white to pale pink blooms appear from early summer into fall. The foliage turns lovely shades of bronze, orange, and red in autumn.

2. Kaleidoscope Abelia

Kaleidoscope abelia (Abelia x grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’) is a compact variety that matures at 2-3 feet tall. Its chameleon-like leaves emerge chartreuse and yellow before turning green. In fall, the foliage transforms to a mix of orange and red hues. Subtly fragrant white blooms last from late summer into fall.

3. Edward Goucher Abelia

Discovered in the early 1900s, Edward Goucher abelia (Abelia x grandiflora ‘Edward Goucher’) grows 3-5 feet tall and wide. Clusters of lavender-pink flowers with orange markings bloom in summer over deep green leaves that take on purple-bronze tones in fall.

4. Rose Creek Abelia

Rose Creek abelia (Abelia x grandiflora ‘Rose Creek’) is an evergreen variety with crimson stems holding glossy green leaves. White blooms appear in summer, and the foliage turns shades of bronze and burgundy when cooler weather arrives. It matures at around 4 feet tall and wide.

5. Sunshine Daydream Abelia

Sunshine Daydream abelia (Abelia x grandiflora ‘Abelops’) offers tricolored leaves – emerging dark pink and quickly transitioning to a mix of pink, green, yellow, and ivory variegation. The subtle fragrant white blooms pop against the colorful foliage. It reaches 3-4 feet tall at maturity.

6. Little Richard Abelia

A dwarf variety, Little Richard abelia (Abelia x grandiflora ‘Little Richard’) only grows 2-3 feet tall and wide. Vibrant green leaves take on orange-pink tones in fall, and dainty white blooms cover the plant in late spring into early summer. It’s ideal for containers or smaller garden spaces.

7. Mardi Gras Abelia

Mardi Gras abelia (Abelia x grandiflora ‘Mardi Gras’) sports colorful variegated leaves in shades of green, pink, ivory, and white. Soft pink buds open to reveal white blooms from midsummer into fall. An easy care variety, it reaches 2-3 feet tall and wide when mature.

8. Radiance Abelia

Radiance abelia (Abelia x grandiflora ‘Radiance’) dazzles with foliage that emerges green and cream before turning silver-green with yellow margins. Vivid crimson stems provide another pop of color. White blooms appear from late spring into fall. It matures at around 2-3 feet tall and wide.

9. Raspberry Profusion Abelia

Introduced in 2006, Raspberry Profusion abelia (Abelia x grandiflora ‘Raspberry Profusion’) charms with arching branches of green leaves and bright pink blooms from midsummer into fall. The raspberry-colored sepals remain after the blooms drop, adding continued interest. It matures at 3-4 feet tall and wide.

10. Sweet Emotion Abelia

One of the hardiest abelia varieties, Sweet Emotion abelia (Abelia mosanensis) thrives in zones 4-8 and reaches 5-6 feet tall at maturity. Extremely fragrant light pink blooms have a jasmine-like scent and appear from early summer into fall against deep green foliage.

11. Miss Lemon Abelia

Miss Lemon abelia (Abelia x grandiflora ‘Hopleys’) offers cheerful chartreuse and green variegated foliage that matures to green and ivory. The young yellow leaves take on coppery hues in fall. Light pink blooms cover this variety in summer. It grows to around 3-4 feet tall and wide when mature.

12. Sunny Anniversary Abelia

Sunny Anniversary abelia (Abelia x grandiflora ‘Minduo1’) greets summer with uniquely colored butter yellow blooms that have soft pink or orange blushing. The deep green leathery leaves are quite hardy, persisting through winter in many areas. This variety matures at 3-4 feet tall and wide.

13. Confetti Abelia

Confetti abelia (Abelia x grandiflora ‘Confetti’) is a dwarf variety that grows just 2-3 feet tall and wide. The leaves display creamy white margins that turn rosy pink in fall. Clusters of white blooms stand out against the variegated foliage in summer.

Caring for Abelia Plants

Abelias are relatively low-maintenance once established, but providing a few simple care practices will help them thrive:

• Sun: Most abelias need full sun to bloom their best, but some tolerate partial shade.

• Soil: Well-drained soil with average fertility is ideal. Abelias are quite adaptable however.

• Water: Water 1-2 times per week while plants are establishing. Mature abelias are quite drought tolerant.

• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.

• Pruning: Prune out dead or damaged branches anytime. For shaping, prune in late winter or early spring. Avoid heavy pruning in fall.

• Hardiness: Abelias are hardy in USDA zones 6-9 although some varieties can handle colder climates.

• Pests & diseases: Abelias have no serious pest or disease problems. Occasional issues include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and scale insects.

With minimal care, abelia plants will beautify gardens and landscapes for years to come. Their diversity gives you many options to brighten up your outdoor space with long lasting, low maintenance color.