Last updated on May 12th, 2026 at 07:07 am
Abelia Plants moderate water (Abelia x grandiflora). A great plant for the Southwest, as they are evergreen and will flower throughout the summer months. They are moderate watering shrubs once they become established. The foliage will change colors as the seasons go by. In mid-winter, the leaves will turn a light burgundy color. The growth rate is about 3-4″ per year, but compact in shape, and can be used as a short hedge inside a patio or a courtyard.
Where to place these plants?
It is best to plant them in full or partial sun. Abelia plants don’t mind being placed underneath a large shade tree as long as there is filtered sun shining through. They will grow to about 3, maybe 4ft in height and about the same in width.
It grows steadily at about 3-4 inches a year, keeping a neat and compact shape. It works great as a short hedge, perfect for small spaces like patios or courtyards where you want a bit of greenery without it taking over. Its tidy form makes it easy to care for and is ideal for creating a clean, organized look in tight areas.
When to prune the Abelia Plant?
The best time to prune them is in late winter or early spring. Use good hedge pruning shears to do the job. Early spring is also a good time to fertilize this plant. Use a good all-purpose 20-20-20 analysis type fertilizer to help it come out of its winter color.
Water every day for the first month after initial planting, then cut back to every other day on a drip emitter system, 30 minutes will work, or if watering by hand, apply about 4-5 gallons of water each time.
Here are two varieties of Abelia Plants pictured below. Generally available at most local nurseries.
The Kaleidoscope Abelia
It has bright, golden yellow, variegated green leaves. With brilliant red stems that create a striking kaleidoscope color. It is low-growing and compact in size, making it perfect for an evergreen garden
You can see other types of Abelia at monrovia.com.
The Glossy Abelia
Glossy Abelia is somewhat taller, about 5 ft. tall and wide. It produces small shiny leaves, thus its name! It can tolerate full sun and partial shade, and will bloom with light pink flowers from early June to late October. Plant several of them in a row for a nice short hedge.
One of the most appealing qualities of Abelia plants is their remarkable ability to adapt to a wide range of growing conditions. Abelia can thrive in many different landscape settings, making them a dependable choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Whether you have a small backyard, a narrow planting area along a walkway, or even a partially shaded corner that is difficult to landscape, Abelia can usually settle in and perform very well.
These shrubs are known for their toughness, hardiness, and low-maintenance nature. Once established, they are fairly drought-tolerant and can handle heat, wind, and varying soil conditions much better than many other ornamental shrubs. In Southwest landscapes, they perform especially well when planted in areas with morning sun and some afternoon protection during the hottest part of summer. They also respond well to occasional pruning, making it easy to maintain a neat and attractive shape throughout the year.
Another reason gardeners enjoy Abelia is their naturally compact growth habit. Many varieties stay relatively manageable in size, which makes them an excellent option for smaller gardens, foundation plantings, patios, or decorative containers. Their graceful arching branches, glossy foliage, and long-lasting blooms add color and texture to the landscape for much of the growing season. Some varieties even produce foliage that changes color during cooler months, adding additional seasonal interest.
Because of their adaptability and dependable performance, Abelia shrubs are often considered one of the easiest flowering shrubs to incorporate into low-maintenance landscaping designs. They provide beauty, structure, and long-lasting color without requiring constant care or attention.
When it comes to landscaping, abelia plants offer a wide range of options. Their graceful arching branches can be pruned to create stunning hedges or borders. Their vibrant blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators, adding an extra touch of magic to your outdoor space. And let’s not forget about their foliage! With variegated leaves in shades of green, gold, and burgundy, abelia plants can provide year-round interest and color.
Abelia Plants
USDA Zones 6, 7, 8, 9
Sunset climate zones 4 – 24, 28 – 35
Other companion plants to use. The Red tip photinia places them in the background for a great landscaping effect. Use the Red Bird of Paradise in the background during summer for an explosion of color in summer.
Abelia Plants are generally non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Always use a good mulch to help with moisture during the mid-summer months.
Southwest Gardening Made Simple
Want more help choosing the right plants for our hot, dry Southwest climate? Check out my Southwest Gardening Made Simple eBook.
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