Abelia Culture
Abelia is easily grown in any type of soil that is not excessively boggy or dry. It grows well in full sun to part shade, though the best flowering is in full sun. Once established, abelia can withstand short periods of drought, but performs best with a deep soaking every two weeks.
Abelias are typically planted three or four feet apart as part of an informal shrub border, whether as a foundation planting, along with a property line or to divide different areas of the garden. The smaller varieties are also effective when used sporadically within beds of perennials.
Varieties
There are many varieties of abelia available in nurseries, including several with spectacular colored foliage.
- 'Mardi Gras' has triple variegated white-pink-green foliage and grows two to three feet tall and four to five feet wide.
- 'Kaliedoscope' has yellow, red and green variegation and grows about two feet tall and three feet wide.
- 'Edward Goucher' is one of the classic abelia varieties, growing five feet tall and wide with dark pink flowers.
- 'Prostrata' is a low-growing white-flowered form that grows just 18 inches tall.