Complete Gardening
Abelias are beloved for their ability to bring vibrant color and lively character to any garden. These adaptable shrubs bloom with a range of hues, providing interest throughout the seasons. With their resilient nature and captivating blossoms, Abelias are a favorite among gardeners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces. Here, we explore 16 stunning Abelia varieties that will bring a burst of color to your yard, keeping it lively and attractive for months on end.
1. Kaleidoscope Abelia
Kaleidoscope Abelia is a visual delight, known for its striking foliage that changes color with the seasons. In spring, its leaves are a lively yellow with green centers, gradually turning golden with hints of orange and red by fall. This variety thrives in full sun, rewarding gardeners with clusters of small, white flowers from late spring to fall. Its compact size, reaching around 2 to 3 feet in height, makes it perfect for borders and container gardening. Did you know? Its name “Kaleidoscope” reflects the ever-changing palette of colors it displays throughout the year.
2. Edward Goucher Abelia
Edward Goucher Abelia brings subtle elegance with its delicate pink flowers and glossy, dark green leaves. This semi-evergreen shrub is cherished for its long-lasting blooms, which attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Reaching up to 5 feet in height, it’s ideal for mixed borders or as a standalone specimen. Its ability to tolerate partial shade makes it versatile for various garden settings. Interestingly, this variety was named after Edward Goucher, a horticulturalist who contributed significantly to its development. With its graceful appearance, it adds a touch of charm to any landscape.
3. Confetti Abelia
Confetti Abelia is celebrated for its festive appearance, characterized by variegated leaves with creamy white edges. The foliage takes on a pink tint in cooler months, while pale pink flowers bloom from summer into fall. This dwarf variety grows up to 3 feet tall, making it suitable for small gardens or container placements. Its showy leaves and delicate flowers create a lovely contrast, providing visual interest year-round. Fun fact: The playful name “Confetti” reflects the joyful burst of color it brings, reminiscent of a celebratory scatter of confetti.
4. Canyon Creek Abelia
Canyon Creek Abelia captivates with its dynamic foliage and robust growth. New leaves emerge with a coppery hue, maturing to a soft yellow-green that turns bronze in autumn. Its fragrant, tubular flowers are a magnet for pollinators, appearing throughout the summer months. This variety can reach up to 5 feet in height and prefers a sunny location to flourish. Its tough nature makes it suitable for challenging garden spots. Did you know? Canyon Creek was developed to withstand colder climates, making it a resilient choice for various regions.
5. Rose Creek Abelia
Rose Creek Abelia is a garden favorite, noted for its compact form and profusion of white flowers. Its glossy, dark green leaves provide a lush backdrop to the blooms, which appear from spring through fall. Growing to about 3 feet tall, it’s an excellent choice for low hedges or foundation plantings. The flowers’ sweet fragrance attracts butterflies, adding life to the garden. Fun fact: Despite its delicate appearance, Rose Creek Abelia is quite hardy, thriving in a variety of soil conditions and showing resilience to pests and diseases.
6. Sherwoodii Abelia
Sherwoodii Abelia offers a touch of whimsy with its dainty lavender-pink flowers and arching branches. This compact shrub grows up to 4 feet tall, making it suitable for small spaces or as a ground cover. Its semi-evergreen nature ensures year-round interest, with foliage turning a bronze-red in winter. The flowers, appearing from summer to early fall, are lightly fragrant and attract pollinators. Interestingly, Sherwoodii is appreciated for its low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and thriving in various soil types.
7. Radiance Abelia
Radiance Abelia shines with its silver-green leaves edged in creamy white, offering a luminous presence in any garden setting. This variety grows up to 3 feet tall, producing clusters of fragrant white flowers from late spring to fall. Its compact size and eye-catching foliage make it a perfect choice for borders or patio containers. Despite its delicate appearance, Radiance is known for its robustness, withstanding heat and drought conditions. Did you know? Its name “Radiance” highlights the bright, glowing effect it brings to the landscape.
8. Francis Mason Abelia
Francis Mason Abelia stands out with its golden yellow foliage, providing a sunny disposition to garden designs. The leaves take on a bronze tint in cooler weather, complementing the pink flowers that bloom from summer to autumn. Growing to about 4 feet in height, it’s ideal for hedge planting or as a colorful focal point. This variety is highly adaptable, thriving in full sun to partial shade. Fun fact: Francis Mason was named in honor of a renowned horticulturist, and it continues to be a beloved choice for those seeking vibrant garden displays.
9. Little Richard Abelia
Little Richard Abelia is perfect for those seeking a compact, yet impactful plant. This dwarf variety reaches about 3 feet tall, with bright green foliage that retains its color year-round. Its white, tubular flowers bloom heavily in summer, attracting butterflies and bees. It’s well-suited for small gardens, rockeries, or even as a container plant. Despite its size, Little Richard is hardy and low-maintenance, making it a favorite among busy gardeners. Did you know? It’s named “Little Richard” for its petite stature, yet it packs a punch in visual appeal.
10. Mardi Gras Abelia
Mardi Gras Abelia brings a party to the garden with its vibrant, tri-colored foliage. Leaves emerge pink, transition to creamy white, and mature to green, creating a dynamic, colorful display. In summer, soft pink flowers add to its appeal. This variety grows up to 3 feet tall, making it a charming choice for borders or small garden spaces. Its lively colors reflect its festive name, reminiscent of the celebratory spirit of Mardi Gras. Fun fact: Its ability to change leaf colors with the season makes it a popular choice for those seeking year-round interest.
11. Sunrise Abelia
Sunrise Abelia brightens any garden with its golden-yellow leaves that glow like the morning sun. This cheerful variety is complemented by fragrant white flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall. Reaching up to 4 feet in height, Sunrise Abelia is perfect for adding a splash of color to borders or as a standalone specimen. Its vibrant foliage remains attractive throughout the year. Did you know? The name “Sunrise” reflects the uplifting presence it brings to landscapes, much like the first light of day.
12. Twist of Lime Abelia
Twist of Lime Abelia is a refreshing addition with its lime-green foliage that dazzles in any setting. The bright leaves are accompanied by clusters of white flowers, adding contrast and elegance. This variety grows to about 3 feet tall, ideal for tropical-inspired gardens or container arrangements. Its unique color palette stands out, providing a lively touch to landscapes. Fun fact: The “Twist of Lime” name is derived from the vibrant, citrus-like coloration of its leaves, creating a zesty visual experience in the garden.
13. Sparkling Silver Abelia
Sparkling Silver Abelia offers a touch of elegance with its silver-edged leaves that shimmer in the light. This semi-evergreen variety blooms with pink flowers from late spring into fall, attracting pollinators with their light fragrance. Growing up to 3 feet tall, it’s perfect for adding sophistication to borders or patio containers. Its shimmering foliage adds a magical, moonlit quality to gardens. Did you know? The “Sparkling Silver” name reflects the glistening appearance of its leaves, making it a standout choice for creating enchanting garden spaces.
14. Hopleys Abelia
Hopleys Abelia is celebrated for its variegated leaves, featuring a striking cream and green pattern. Its white flowers bloom from summer to fall, adding to its charm. This variety grows up to 5 feet tall, making it suitable for formal gardens or as a statement plant. The attractive foliage remains eye-catching throughout the seasons, creating a visual spectacle. Fun fact: Hopleys was developed in the UK and is named after the renowned Hopleys Nursery, where it was first cultivated.
15. Plum Surprise Abelia
Plum Surprise Abelia enchants with its deep plum-colored new growth, providing a dramatic contrast against older green leaves. The white flowers appear from summer into fall, offering a fresh and lively touch. This variety reaches about 3 feet in height and is perfect for adding unexpected color to garden borders or containers. Its unique coloration is a delightful surprise that catches the eye. Did you know? The “Plum Surprise” name is inspired by the unexpected and striking color change of its new growth, making it a cherished choice among gardeners.
16. Raspberry Ripple Abelia
Raspberry Ripple Abelia stands out with its enchanting blend of pink and white flowers. These blossoms, resembling delicate ruffles, add a touch of whimsy to any garden. Their sweet fragrance invites a host of butterflies and bees, creating a lively atmosphere.
This resilient shrub thrives in various climates, making it a versatile choice for garden enthusiasts. Its dense foliage, rich with green hues, offers a perfect backdrop for the colorful blooms.
Did you know? Raspberry Ripple’s blooms maintain their vibrancy from spring through fall, ensuring your garden remains colorful for months.