Introducing...
Abelia
If you want a shrub that flowers over a long period from summer to autumn, is usually evergreen, happy in most soils, and offers colour even after flowering, abelia has all of these qualities. And, to save one of its best attributes until last, the blooms are scented.
Looks
Abelias have glossy leaves and masses of tubular flowers in pink, white or cerise. There are golden- and variegated-leaved cultivars. In most species, when the flowers fade the coloured sepals remain, giving you continuing interest into autumn.
Likes
Abelia does best in a sunny, sheltered position in fertile, well-drained soil.
Dislikes
This shrub won't be happy in a situation with cold, dry winds and soils that don’t drain well.
Did you know?
You can take cuttings of soft new growth in early summer and root them easily to produce new plants.
Growing guide
How to grow abelia
All the information you'll need to grow and care for abelias can be found in the RHS guide to growing shrubs.
Abelias we recommend
Abelia × grandiflora Sunshine Daydream ('Abelops'PBR) (v)
abelia [Sunshine Daydream]
- 1–1.5 metres
- 1–1.5 metres
Abelia chinensis R. Br.
Chinese abelia
- 1–1.5 metres
- 1–1.5 metres
Abelia × grandiflora Sunshine Daydream ('Abelops'PBR) (v)
abelia [Sunshine Daydream]
- 1–1.5 metres
- 1–1.5 metres
Abelia chinensis R. Br.
Chinese abelia
- 1–1.5 metres
- 1–1.5 metres
Useful advice
Cuttings: semi-ripe
Cuttings: softwood
Shrubs: pruning summer- or autumn-flowering
Trees and shrubs: planting
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.