Abelia
Abelias (Abelia) are deciduous to semi-evergreen shrubs from East Asia, mainly China, with gracefully arching branches. They are valued for their long, scented flowering of small white to pink trumpet flowers, and for the coppery calyces that remain after the flowers have dropped, set against foliage that often turns purplish in autumn.
Location and soil
Abelias flower best in full sun but also do well in partial shade, ideally sheltered from cold, drying winds. They accept almost any well-drained garden soil, including poor or chalky ground, and cope with summer drought once established, but dislike heavy, waterlogged clay. Most are moderately hardy and come through a normal Belgian winter, preferably in a protected spot.
Pruning and care
Abelias are easy, trouble-free shrubs that are hardly affected by pests or diseases. Summer-flowering types are pruned lightly at the end of winter, from February to April, removing dead, weak and crossing shoots and shaping the plant as needed. Mulch young plants before winter in their first years and water them during prolonged dry spells.
Use in the garden
Abelias fit well in mixed shrub borders, as solitary shrubs and in informal or clipped flowering hedges, while compact types suit low hedges, the front of borders and large containers. They tolerate urban pollution and coastal wind, and their flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.
