Abelia

Abelia is a genus of flowering shrubs in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. The group includes numerous species native to eastern Asia and the Americas. Abelia plants are typically medium-sized shrubs with arching branches, valued for their attractive foliage and extended bloom. They can be evergreen in milder climates and deciduous in regions with harsher winters.

The leaves are opposite, simple and usually oval or oblong, often glossy. Flowers are tubular and two-lipped, forming clusters along the stems. The corollas are typically white to pink or pink-tinged and highly fragrant. Flowers appear from late spring into fall in many cultivars and are attractive to bees and other pollinators. Fruit is a small capsule in some species.

In cultivation, abelias are popular ornamental plants in temperate gardens and landscapes. They prefer well-drained soil and a location with full sun to partial shade. Many varieties are fairly drought-tolerant once established and tolerate urban conditions, though colder climates may render them deciduous and less showy in winter. Pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and encourages new growth for the next season.

Notable cultivated forms include the hybrid Abelia × grandiflora, commonly grown as glossy abelia. Widely used in borders, hedges, and foundation plantings, it has several cultivars such as ‘Kaleidoscope’ (variegated foliage) and others with varying flower color and growth habit. Beyond the hybrid, several species and selections are grown ornamentally, offering a range of leaf textures and bloom dynamics.