Abelia Mosanensis: Beauty That Blooms Year-Round

Are you looking for a plant that will bring beauty and fragrance to your garden all year round? Look no further than Abelia mosanensis, an evergreen shrub that produces stunning pink flowers in the spring and summer and maintains its glossy green foliage throughout the year. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about this incredible plant, including its history, growing conditions, and care tips.

The History of Abelia Mosanensis

Abelia mosanensis is native to Korea and was first introduced to the West in 1910 by Ernest Henry "Chinese" Wilson, a British plant collector. The plant was named after Charles Abbot, the third Baron Colchester, who was a keen gardener and horticulturist. Since then, Abelia mosanensis has become a popular landscaping plant due to its beauty and versatility.

Appearance and Characteristics

Abelia mosanensis is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Its glossy green leaves are 1-2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide, making them quite small compared to other Abelia species. The plant produces pink, trumpet-shaped flowers that are 1 inch long and bloom from May to June. The flowers have a sweet, citrusy scent that is particularly strong in the morning and evening.

Varieties of Abelia Mosanensis

There are several varieties of Abelia mosanensis, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:

• 'Rose Creek'

  : A compact variety that grows up to 3 feet tall and wide. It has dark green leaves and produces pink flowers in the spring and summer.

• 'Sherwoodii'

  : A taller variety that can grow up to 8 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It has larger leaves than other Abelia mosanensis varieties and produces pink flowers in the summer and fall.

• 'White Surprise'

  : A variegated variety that produces white-edged leaves and pink flowers in the spring and summer.

How to Grow Abelia Mosanensis

Abelia mosanensis is a relatively easy plant to grow, but it does require some specific conditions to thrive. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this beautiful shrub:

Light and Soil Requirements

Abelia mosanensis prefers full sun to partial shade, so make sure to plant it in an area that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. The plant also requires well-draining soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5). If your soil is too alkaline, you can amend it with peat moss or sulfur to lower the pH.

Planting and Watering

When planting Abelia mosanensis, make sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Backfill the hole with soil and water the plant thoroughly. After planting, water the shrub deeply once a week during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce watering in the fall and winter.

Pruning and Maintenance

Abelia mosanensis requires minimal pruning, but it does benefit from regular maintenance. In the spring, remove any dead or damaged branches to promote new growth. You can also shape the plant by selectively removing branches that are growing out of place.

Fertilizing

Abelia mosanensis benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). Apply the fertilizer in the spring and again in mid-summer according to the package instructions.

Common Problems and Solutions

While Abelia mosanensis is generally a healthy and hardy plant, it can be susceptible to certain problems. Here are some common issues you may encounter and how to solve them:

Pests

Abelia mosanensis is relatively pest-resistant, but it can sometimes be attacked by aphids, spider mites, or scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

Diseases

Abelia mosanensis can be affected by root rot or leaf spot, which are both caused by fungal infections. To prevent these diseases, make sure to plant the shrub in well-draining soil and avoid overhead watering. If your plant does become infected, you can apply a fungicide according to the package instructions.



Abelia mosanensis is a beautiful and versatile plant that can bring year-round beauty to your garden. With its fragrant pink flowers, glossy green foliage, and easy care requirements, it's no wonder why this plant has become so popular among gardeners and landscapers. Whether you're looking for a showy specimen plant or a reliable foundation planting, Abelia mosanensis is a great choice.

FAQs

1. Is Abelia mosanensis deer-resistant?

Yes, Abelia mosanensis is generally deer-resistant due to its fragrant foliage and small leaves. However, hungry deer may still nibble on the plant if food is scarce.

2. Can Abelia mosanensis be grown in containers?

Yes, Abelia mosanensis can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system. Make sure to use well-draining soil and water the plant regularly.

3. How often should I fertilize Abelia mosanensis?

Abelia mosanensis benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). Apply the fertilizer in the spring and again in mid-summer according to the package instructions.

4. When should I prune Abelia mosanensis?

Abelia mosanensis requires minimal pruning, but it does benefit from regular maintenance. In the spring, remove any dead or damaged branches to promote new growth. You can also shape the plant by selectively removing branches that are growing out of place.

5. How tall does Abelia mosanensis grow?

Abelia mosanensis can grow up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide, depending on the variety and growing conditions.