Abelias are considered by many landscape and nursery professionals to be one of the most under-used flowering shrubs in the American Landscape. It is deciduous in colder parts of its range, meaning it loses its leaves, but as the range moves south into warmer parts of the country, it is grown as an evergreen shrub.
Abelias offer colorful foliage, gorgeous, fragrant flowers, easy care, and deer resistance. Glossy Abelias flower heavily in the summer and sporadically into the fall. The flowers are fragrant and produce a heavenly scent that fills the garden. Find a place in the garden for at least one of these beauties and enjoy the many benefits of Abelia Shrubs.
If you’re looking to add some color and interest to your garden, Abelia plants are a great option. With their attractive flowers and foliage, Abelia makes a wonderful addition to gardens, landscapes, and container plantings. But before you can start growing these beautiful shrubs, you need to find a high-quality source to buy from. In this article, I’ll go over the best places to buy Abelia plants for your unique needs.
Check Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
My top recommendation for finding Abelia plants is to check out plant nurseries and garden centers in your local area. The best part about buying from local suppliers is that you can see and inspect the plants in person before purchasing. This allows you to hand-select the healthiest, most vibrant Abelia for your garden.
When visiting local nurseries look for signs of healthy growth like
- Rich green leaves
- Hardy, upright stems
- No discoloration or leaf spotting
- Lots of new growth and buds
Reputable local nurseries should have staff on hand that can answer questions about their Abelia selection. Don’t be afraid to ask about the variety, care requirements, and ideal growing conditions.
The only downside to local nurseries is their selection is limited based on what grows well in your climate. If you’re looking for a rare or exotic Abelia variety, you may need to expand your search.
Order from Online Retailers
Ordering Abelia plants online opens up many more variety options since retailers ship plants nationwide. Reputable online nurseries like Wilson Bros Gardens offer 100+ types of Abelia plants suitable for USDA growing zones 6-10.
When buying online, be sure to order early in the growing season to avoid sell-outs. Abelia plants ordered online will arrive as dormant bare roots or potted plants. Check the retailer’s planting and care instructions so your mail-order plants get off to a good start.
Here are a few tips for finding quality Abelia plants online:
- Read reviews of the nursery’s service, quality, and shipping.
- Check if the retailer guarantees live delivery.
- Look at photos of actual plants instead of stock images.
- Ask questions about plant size, soil needs, etc.
- Order early before varieties sell out.
While buying online is convenient, you won’t get to see the actual plant before it arrives. Be sure to inspect mail-order plants quickly and contact the seller if your order arrives damaged.
Check Big Box Stores for Mainstream Varieties
For common Abelia varieties like Edward Goucher or Kaleidoscope, big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s are an option. While selection is limited, convenience is a plus since these stores are everywhere. The plants may not be as robust as those from specialty growers, but it’s easy to return or exchange if you’re dissatisfied.
Look past the flowers and foliage to inspect the roots and overall health when buying from big box garden centers. Rootbound or neglected plants will have a harder time thriving in your landscape.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Abelia Source
No matter where you choose to buy, keep these tips in mind when selecting Abelia plants:
- Buy locally grown varieties suited for your planting zone whenever possible.
- Inspect roots for signs of circling or being rootbound.
- Check for insects like aphids before purchasing.
- Ask about mature size to ensure proper plant spacing.
- Read plant tags for variety details and growth habits.
- Compare pricing between sources to find the best value.
Buying locally grown Abelia from reputable sellers is always advisable. But don’t rule out ordering online or from big box stores, especially if you want hard-to-find varieties. With the right selection and care, Abelia plants ordered sight unseen can thrive just as well.
The most important thing is finding a seller you trust to supply healthy, pest-free plants that are clearly labeled. Take time to inspect each plant, ask questions, and research the best growing practices. By pairing high-quality Abelia plants with proper care, you’ll be rewarded with years of gorgeous flowers and vibrant foliage in your garden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Abelia Plants
What are the most popular types of Abelia?
Some of the most popular Abelia varieties include:
- Kaleidoscope – variegated foliage
- Edward Goucher – pinkish-white blooms
- Canyon Creek – yellow and green leaves
- Rose Creek – white and pink flowers
- Little Richard – dwarf variety under 3 feet
What is the best time to plant Abelia?
Spring and fall are ideal times to plant Abelia when temperatures are mild. Avoid summer’s heat and winter’s cold. Potted Abelia can be planted anytime.
How much sun does Abelia need?
Most Abelia varieties thrive in full to partial sun (at least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily). Dappled shade is okay, but avoid deep shade.
Should I buy bare root or potted Abelia plants?
Potted Abelia is preferred because the roots won’t be disturbed at planting. But bare roots are fine too as long as you properly prepare the soil and water well after planting.
How do I know if an Abelia plant is healthy?
Look for vibrant leaves, healthy buds, sturdy stems, and no signs of leaf spots, damage or pests. The roots should be white, not brown, and free of circling or being rootbound.
What if my mail-order Abelia arrives damaged?
Always inspect mail-order plants right away. Contact the seller immediately if your order arrives with significant damage, dry roots, or dead plants. Most reputable online sellers will replace or refund.
Benefits of Abelia Shrubs
Abelias have been used in American landscapes for many years due to their beautiful foliage color, bell-shaped flowers, unique habit, and ability to provide interest year-round. Their vibrant leaves offer color throughout the growing season, with a plethora of flowers in the spring through to the fall.
Working its way into fall with a transition of warm red and orange hues, you will continually be in awe of the beauty this shrub offers a landscape throughout the seasons.
On top of their season-long beauty in the landscape, abelia plants are highly useful in pollinator gardens. They provide a nectar source for many pollinators and hummingbirds, which helps to support your local ecosystem.
Tips for Choosing the Right Variety of Flowering Abelia Shrubs
One of the primary factors in choosing your Glossy Abelia is ensuring it’s appropriate for your area. Abelia does well in zones 5 through 9 and thrives in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Be sure to choose a location that meets these conditions and gets either full or partial sun throughout the day.
If youre unsure what your specific growing conditions are, check out our handy and convenient Find Your Grow Zone Tool!
Beyond these cultural considerations, choose an abelia that meets your landscape’s needs. Smaller varieties like the Abelia Little Richard and Abelia Kaleidoscope are good choices for areas of the yard where low-growing shrubs are needed, such as along walkways or below windows. In comparison, larger varieties likeAbelia Edward Goucher are suitable for adding height to the back of the border or where a privacy hedge would be beneficial.
Abelia shrubs or Glossy Abelia are heat-tolerant plants available in a stunning array of leaf colors. Their attractive foliage and fragrant flowers make them beautiful members of any landscape. They’re fascinating when used as a specimen in a landscape. Abelias can also be used as a hedge, foundation planting, or planted en masse.
Several cultivars of Abelia Grandifloraare available for purchase from Garden Goods Direct, including:
- Abelia Kaleidoscope: Adds a pop of color to any landscape. White flowers in summer. A branch sport of Little Richard Abelia.
- Abelia Little Richard: Fragrant white blooms stand out against the dark green leaves in summer through fall. In 2022, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society crowned Little Richard Abelia a Gold Medal Plant.
- Rose Creek Abelia: pink-tinged white abelia flowers contrast nicely against the dark green leaves. Perfect for a low hedge.
- Abelia Edward Goucher: The pinkest Abelia Flower on the market today.
- Radiance Abelia: Green leaves with a hint of yellow on the edges.