ABELIA (pronounced /əˈbiːliə/)
Belonging to the woodbine (Caprifoliaceae) family, this genus contains around 30 species of evergreen and deciduous shrubs that are found in eastern Asia and Mexico. These beautiful ornamental shrubs provide a blaze of vibrant floral color throughout summer, and the deciduous species provide autumnal color. Most species do not exceed 6 ft (1.8 m) in height, so they can be used to great effect when planted as a low informal hedge, and look equally impressive when planted singly. The genus name honors Dr Clarke Abel (17801826), who corresponded with English botanist Sir Joseph Banks and served with the British embassy in China, where he wrote a book of naturalist observations.
APPEARANCE
Most Abelia species have a densely bushy habit, often with slightly arching branches and small glossy leaves that taper to a fine point. The young foliage has bronze to golden tints that in some cultivars persist to maturity. From late summer, small, full-shaped to tubular, white to pink flowers smother the bushes. Some species have persistent reddish sepals that provide an additional ornamental feature after the flowers have faded.Flowering continues over a long and continuous late spring to fall period.
CULTIVATION
Although hardiness varies considerably, most abelias are not suitable in areas with severe winters. Plant in a position in sun or part-shade with moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Pruning should be undertaken to keep the plant looking tidy whilst maintaining its natural arching habit. Trim to shape in late winter or spring, removing the cane ends and also some of the basal shoots in order to allow room for new growth. Propagate from half-hardened or softwood cuttings. The most widely grown is the hybrid Abelia x grandiflora (Glossy Abelia; hybrid Abelia chinensis x Abelia uniflora). This is a rounded, spreading, multi-stemmed shrub with gracefully arching branches to 1-1.8 m tall, with ovate, glossy, dark green semi-evergreen leaves to 2–6 cm long, and clusters of white-tinged-pink, bell-shaped flowers to 2 cm long.
Traits: sun, shade, hedge. Flowering Season: Summer, Autumn.
Glossy Abelia (Abelia X grandiflora)
Note: Wikipedia description.
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Abeliophyllum (White Forsythia)
DESCRIPTION
is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the olive family, Oleaceae. It consists of one species, Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai (Korean Abelialeaf), endemic to Korea, where it is endangered in the wild, occurring at only seven sites. It is related to Forsythia, but differs in having white, not yellow, flowers.
It is a deciduous shrub growing to 1–2 m tall. The leaves are opposite, simple, 6–10 cm long and 3-4.5 cm wide, pubescent both above and below. The flowers are produced in early spring before the new leaves appear; they are white, about 1 cm long, with a four-lobed corolla. The fruit is a round, winged samara 2–3 cm diameter. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in Europe and North America.
Abeliophyllum (White Forsythia)
Note: Wikipedia description.
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Belonging to the woodbine (Caprifoliaceae) family, this genus contains around 30 species of evergreen and deciduous shrubs that are found in eastern Asia and Mexico. These beautiful ornamental shrubs provide a blaze of vibrant floral color throughout summer, and the deciduous species provide autumnal color. Most species do not exceed 6 ft (1.8 m) in height, so they can be used to great effect when planted as a low informal hedge, and look equally impressive when planted singly. The genus name honors Dr Clarke Abel (17801826), who corresponded with English botanist Sir Joseph Banks and served with the British embassy in China, where he wrote a book of naturalist observations.
APPEARANCE
Most Abelia species have a densely bushy habit, often with slightly arching branches and small glossy leaves that taper to a fine point. The young foliage has bronze to golden tints that in some cultivars persist to maturity. From late summer, small, full-shaped to tubular, white to pink flowers smother the bushes. Some species have persistent reddish sepals that provide an additional ornamental feature after the flowers have faded.Flowering continues over a long and continuous late spring to fall period.
CULTIVATION
Although hardiness varies considerably, most abelias are not suitable in areas with severe winters. Plant in a position in sun or part-shade with moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Pruning should be undertaken to keep the plant looking tidy whilst maintaining its natural arching habit. Trim to shape in late winter or spring, removing the cane ends and also some of the basal shoots in order to allow room for new growth. Propagate from half-hardened or softwood cuttings. The most widely grown is the hybrid Abelia x grandiflora (Glossy Abelia; hybrid Abelia chinensis x Abelia uniflora). This is a rounded, spreading, multi-stemmed shrub with gracefully arching branches to 1-1.8 m tall, with ovate, glossy, dark green semi-evergreen leaves to 2–6 cm long, and clusters of white-tinged-pink, bell-shaped flowers to 2 cm long.
Traits: sun, shade, hedge. Flowering Season: Summer, Autumn.
Note: Wikipedia description.
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Abeliophyllum (White Forsythia)
DESCRIPTION
is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the olive family, Oleaceae. It consists of one species, Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai (Korean Abelialeaf), endemic to Korea, where it is endangered in the wild, occurring at only seven sites. It is related to Forsythia, but differs in having white, not yellow, flowers.
It is a deciduous shrub growing to 1–2 m tall. The leaves are opposite, simple, 6–10 cm long and 3-4.5 cm wide, pubescent both above and below. The flowers are produced in early spring before the new leaves appear; they are white, about 1 cm long, with a four-lobed corolla. The fruit is a round, winged samara 2–3 cm diameter. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in Europe and North America.
Note: Wikipedia description.
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