Abelia
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Abelia is a genus of about 30 species and many cultivars, formerly from the Honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). Abelia is now placed, by most authors, in a separate family Linnaeaceae. The AGP II considers Linnaeaceae an optional synonym for Caprifoliaceae.
They consist of mainly evergreen shrubs, but in colder climates they become deciduous. Abelia is native to eastern Asia and Mexico.
Members of this family include Abelia x grandiflora (Common Name: Glossy Abelia). This abelia hybrid is a rounded, spreading, multi-stemmed shrub in the honeysuckle family. Typically grows on gracefully arching branches to 2-4' tall.
Features clusters of white-tinged-pink, bell-shaped flowers (to 3/4" long) which appear in the upper leaf axils and stem ends over a long and continuous late spring to fall bloom period. Flowers are fragrant. Ovate, glossy, dark green leaves (to 1.25" long) turn purplish-bronze in autumn.
This hybrid is a cross between Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora.
Species
- Abelia adenotricha : (China)
- Abelia aitchinsonii
- Abelia angustifolia : (China)
- Abelia anhwensis : (China)
- Abelia biflora : (China)
- Abelia buddleioides : (China)
- Abelia cavaleriei : (China)
- Abelia chinensis : (China)
- Abelia chowii : (China)
- Abelia coriacea : (Mexico)
- Abelia corymbosa
- Abelia curviflora : (Japan)
- Abelia fargesii : (Japan)
- Abelia floribunda : Mexican Abelia (Mexico)
- Abelia gracilenta : (China)
- Abelia graebneriana : (China)
- Abelia grandifloria : Glossy Abelia
- Abelia grandifolia
- Abelia hersii : (China)
- Abelia integrifolia : (Japan)
- Abelia ionandra : (China)
- Abelia ionostachya : (Japan)
- Abelia longituba : (China)
- Abelia mairei : (China)
- Abelia mexicana : (Mexico)
- Abelia mosanensis: (Korea)
- Abelia myrtilloides : (China)
- Abelia occidentalis : (Mexico)
- Abelia parvifolia : (China)
- Abelia × rupestris
- Abelia schischkinii : (China)
- Abelia spathulata : (Japan)
- Abelia spathulata var. colorata
- Abelia spathulata f. duplex
- Abelia speciosa : (Mexico)
- Abelia tomentosa : (Japan)
- Abelia triflora : (Himalaya)
- Abelia tyaihyoni : (Korea)
- Abelia uniflora : (China)
- Abelia verticillata : (China)
Reference
- Barnes, P. 2001. Looking at Abelias. New Plantsman 8(2): 78-92. (clarification of nomenclature, history, and cultivars with an excellent key and photographs.)
