Exploring the World of Abelia Plants

The Different Types of Abelia Plants

Are you interested in adding some variety to your garden or landscape? Then perhaps it’s time to consider planting some abelia! With over 30 different species, there are plenty of types of abelia plants to choose from. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular varieties and explore their unique features.

A Brief to Abelia Plants

Abelia is a genus of flowering shrubs that belong to the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). These hardy and easy-to-grow shrubs are native to Asia and Mexico but have become popular landscaping plants throughout the world. They are prized for their long-lasting blooms, attractive foliage, and low maintenance requirements.

1. Glossy Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora)

Glossy abelia is one of the most widely cultivated types of abelia plants. It is a hybrid of two Chinese species – Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora. This deciduous shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for hedging or screening. The glossy abelia produces fragrant white or pink flowers from mid-summer to fall, which attract bees and butterflies. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, turning bronze-purple in autumn.

Glossy Abelia Care

Glossy abelia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry spells. Prune after flowering to maintain its shape and promote new growth.

2. Kaleidoscope Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope')

Kaleidoscope abelia is a cultivar of the glossy abelia, known for its variegated foliage. Its leaves emerge bright green with yellow margins, then turn golden-yellow in summer and orange-red in fall. The kaleidoscope abelia produces clusters of white flowers in summer, which contrast beautifully with its colorful foliage.

Kaleidoscope Abelia Care

Kaleidoscope abelia thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It benefits from regular watering during dry spells and fertilization in spring. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged wood.

3. Edward Goucher Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Edward Goucher')

Edward Goucher abelia is another cultivar of the glossy abelia, named after the American horticulturist who first propagated it. This semi-evergreen shrub can grow up to 5 feet tall and wide, with arching branches that give it a graceful appearance. The Edward Goucher abelia produces fragrant pink flowers from late spring to early fall, which are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, turning bronze-purple in fall.

Edward Goucher Abelia Care

Edward Goucher abelia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged wood.

4. Canyon Creek Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Canyon Creek')

Canyon Creek abelia is a cultivar of the glossy abelia, known for its colorful foliage. Its leaves emerge bronze-green in spring, then turn golden-yellow with orange and red highlights in summer and fall. The Canyon Creek abelia produces clusters of white or pale pink flowers in summer, which are slightly fragrant.

Canyon Creek Abelia Care

Canyon Creek abelia thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It benefits from regular watering during dry spells and fertilization in spring. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged wood.

5. Twist of Lime Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Twist of Lime')

Twist of Lime abelia is a cultivar of the glossy abelia, valued for its unusual foliage. Its leaves are dark green with bright yellow margins, creating a striking contrast. The Twist of Lime abelia produces white or pale pink flowers in summer, which attract pollinators.

Twist of Lime Abelia Care

Twist of Lime abelia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged wood.

6. Rose Creek Abelia (Abelia x 'Rose Creek')

Rose Creek abelia is a hybrid of two native American species – Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora. This compact evergreen shrub can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide, making it a great choice for small gardens or containers. The Rose Creek abelia produces fragrant pink flowers from summer to fall, which are attractive to pollinators. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, turning bronze in winter.

Rose Creek Abelia Care

Rose Creek abelia prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It benefits from regular watering during dry spells and fertilization in spring. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged wood.

7. Little Richard Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Little Richard')

Little Richard abelia is a dwarf cultivar of the glossy abelia, named after the famous rock and roll musician. This compact shrub can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide, with arching branches that give it a mounding habit. The Little Richard abelia produces fragrant white or pale pink flowers from summer to fall, which are attractive to pollinators. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, turning bronze-purple in fall.

Little Richard Abelia Care

Little Richard abelia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged wood.

8. Confetti Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Confetti')

Confetti abelia is a variegated cultivar of the glossy abelia, known for its colorful foliage. Its leaves are green with cream and pink margins, creating a speckled effect. The Confetti abelia produces clusters of white or pink flowers in summer, which are attractive to pollinators.

Confetti Abelia Care

Confetti abelia thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It benefits from regular watering during dry spells and fertilization in spring. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged wood.

9. Hopleys Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Hopleys')

Hopleys abelia is a cultivar of the glossy abelia, named after the English nurseryman who first propagated it. This deciduous shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide, with arching branches that give it a graceful appearance. The Hopleys abelia produces fragrant white or pink flowers from mid-summer to fall, which are attractive to pollinators. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, turning bronze-purple in fall.

Hopleys Abelia Care

Hopleys abelia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged wood.

10. Little Midget Abelia (Abelia chinensis 'Little Midget')

Little Midget abelia is a compact shrub that is native to China. It can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide, with a mounding habit. The Little Midget abelia produces fragrant white or pale pink flowers from late summer to fall, which are attractive to pollinators. Its leaves are small and oval-shaped, with a glossy finish.

Little Midget Abelia Care

Little Midget abelia thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It benefits from regular watering during dry spells and fertilization in spring. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged wood.

11. Canyon Abelia (Abelia grandiflora)

Canyon abelia, also known as Texas or Mexican abelia, is a native species that can be found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. This evergreen shrub can grow up to 8 feet tall and wide, with arching branches that give it a graceful appearance. The Canyon abelia produces fragrant white or pink flowers from mid-summer to fall, which are attractive to pollinators. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, turning bronze in winter.

Canyon Abelia Care

Canyon abelia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged wood.

12. Francis Mason Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Francis Mason')

Francis Mason abelia is a variegated cultivar of the glossy abelia, known for its colorful foliage. Its leaves are green with yellow margins, creating a striking contrast. The Francis Mason abelia produces clusters of white or pale pink flowers in summer, which are attractive to pollinators.

Francis Mason Abelia Care

Francis Mason abelia thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It benefits from regular watering during dry spells and fertilization in spring. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged wood.

13. Silver Anniversary Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Silver Anniversary')

Silver Anniversary abelia is a variegated cultivar of the glossy abelia, known for its colorful foliage. Its leaves are green with creamy-white margins, creating a subtle but elegant effect. The Silver Anniversary abelia produces clusters of white or pale pink flowers in summer, which are attractive to pollinators.

Silver Anniversary Abelia Care

Silver Anniversary abelia thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It benefits from regular watering during dry spells and fertilization in spring. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged wood.

14. Canyon Pink Abelia (Abelia chinensis 'Canyon Pink')

Canyon Pink abelia is a cultivar of the Chinese abelia, known for its fragrant pink flowers. This deciduous shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide, with arching branches that give it a graceful appearance. The Canyon Pink abelia produces clusters of pink flowers from mid-summer to fall, which are attractive to pollinators. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, turning bronze-purple in fall.

Canyon Pink Abelia Care

Canyon Pink abelia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged wood.

15. Roseum Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Roseum')

Roseum abelia is a cultivar of the glossy abelia, known for its fragrant pink flowers. This deciduous shrub can grow up to 8 feet tall and wide, with arching branches that give it a graceful appearance. The Roseum abelia produces clusters of pink flowers from mid-summer to fall, which are attractive to pollinators. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, turning bronze-purple in fall.

Roseum Abelia Care

Roseum abelia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged wood.



Abelia plants are a great addition to any garden or landscape. With so many different types of abelia plants to choose from, there's sure to be one that suits your needs and preferences. From the glossy abelia to the variegated kaleidoscope abelia, each variety offers unique features that are sure to delight you and your guests.

FAQs About Abelia Plants

1. How often should I water my abelia plants?

Abelia plants prefer moist but well-drained soil. Water deeply once a week or more often during hot, dry weather.

2. Do abelia plants attract pollinators?

Yes, abelia plants produce fragrant flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

3. When is the best time to prune abelia plants?

Prune abelia plants in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This will help promote flowering and maintain the plant's shape.

4. Are abelia plants deer-resistant?

Some abelia plants are deer-resistant, but others may be attractive to deer. Check with your local nursery to find out which varieties are best for your area.

5. Can I grow abelia plants in containers?

Yes, some abelia plants, such as the Rose Creek abelia or Little Richard abelia, can be grown in containers. Make sure the container has drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.