281 saves
Abelia
We track 19 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 19 most-saved Abelia varieties
2 species of Abelia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Abelia in Sow
Save the Abelia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Abelia
Whats common across all Abelia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 19 most-grown of them.
The Abelia year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Perform light shaping and remove winter-damaged tips in late winter.
- FertilizeApril95% of varieties
Feed with a general-purpose slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- MulchApril and May74% of varieties
Replenish mulch layer to 2 inches to retain soil moisture.
Do
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Fertilize annually in spring
- Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system.
Avoid
- Don't plant in heavy, waterlogged soil.
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid planting in deep shade, which reduces flowering and foliage color.
- Do not let the soil dry out completely for extended periods.
What goes wrong with Abelia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted new growth, sticky residue on leaves | Use a strong spray of water to dislodge them or apply insecticidal soap. For persistent issues, consider neem oil. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on the undersides of leaves and stippled, yellowing foliage in hot, dry weather. | Increase humidity around the plant and spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. |
| Scale insects | Bumps on stems and leaves | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on the undersides of leaves and stippled, yellowing foliage during hot, dry weather. | Increase humidity around the plant and spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Ensure good air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, and plant decline due to overly wet soil. | Prevention is the only cure. Ensure the plant is in well-drained soil. Do not overwater. |
| Powdery Mildew | White, powdery coating on leaves, especially in humid conditions with poor air flow. | Improve air circulation by proper spacing and pruning. Apply horticultural oil or a fungicide if severe. |
Making more Abelia
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist soil
- Keep soil moist for 6 weeks
- Transplant once roots develop
Layering
- Bend a low branch to ground
- Cover with soil, leaving tip exposed
- Water regularly for 8 weeks
- Separate and transplant rooted layer
Abelia questions
How many types of Abelia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 19 distinct Abelia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 281 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Abelia grow in?
Across its varieties, Abelia covers USDA Zones 6–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Abelia bloom?
Most Abelia varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer, summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Abelia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.