Flowering Shrub
Abelia, Genus, chinensis, Species,
- Genus & species
Chinese abelia
Overview
Abelia chinensis is a semi-evergreen to deciduous shrub with arching, multi-stemmed growth to 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 m) tall and 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 m) wide. Leaves are opposite, ovate, 0.8–1.4 inches (2–3.5 cm) long, with toothed margins, glossy dark green above and paler beneath, and turn bronze to purple-red in cold weather. Flowers are tubular, 0.5–0.75 inch (1.3–2 cm) long, white with a pink flush, fragrant, and borne in terminal and axillary clusters of 3–9 flowers. After the corolla drops, five rose-pink to red calyx lobes remain attached for several weeks. Fruits are small, dry, one-seeded achenes crowned by the persistent calyx. Plants lose most leaves below 10°F (−12°C) and stems die back to the base in zone 6 winters, with regrowth in spring. Growth is moderate, adding 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) per year. Pruning and cold exposure determine whether plants carry foliage through winter.
Native Range
Abelia chinensis is native to central and southern China and Taiwan, where it grows on forested slopes, thickets, and rocky ground at 200–1,500 m elevations. It is one of the parent species of the hybrid A. ×grandiflora.Suggested Uses
Abelia chinensis is used in mixed shrub borders, informal hedges, and foundation plantings, with spacing of 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) between plants. It is also grown to supply late-season nectar for pollinators.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Abelia chinensis blooms from midsummer into fall, typically July to October, on current-season growth. Individual flowers last 3–5 days, and the persistent calyces extend visible color into November. Bees, butterflies, and hover flies visit the flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with pink flushFoliage Description
Glossy dark green, bronze to purple-red in cold weatherGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Abelia chinensis grows in full sun to part shade, with 4–8 hours of direct light, in moist, well-drained soil of pH 5.5–7.0. Flowering is heaviest in 6 or more hours of sun. Established plants tolerate short dry periods, and plants receive 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water weekly during dry spells in the first 2 years. Hardiness is USDA zones 6–9, with leaf drop below 10°F (−12°C) and stem dieback in colder winters. A 2–3 inch (5–8 cm) mulch layer limits root drying and cold damage. Leaf spots and powdery mildew occur in humid summers, and few insect pests are recorded.Pruning
Pruning takes place in late winter or early spring, before growth starts, since flowers form on new growth. Up to one-third of the oldest stems are cut to the base every 2–3 years, and winter-damaged tips are cut back to live wood. Plants regrow from the base after cutting to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm).Pruning Schedule
Prune: February–March
early spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
