7 Dwarf Abelia

Abelia (x) grandiflora ‘Prostrata’

Here is a dwarf variety with a prostrate habit, wider than tall, that forms a magnificent groundcover at 80 cm high and 1.25 m wide. The Abelia (x) grandiflora ‘Prostrata’ flourishes as a very low bush covered from July to October with countless slightly pink and fragrant flowers resting on a cushion of glossy green leaves. Once faded, they give way to decorative rust-coloured bracts on the purple-tinged autumn foliage.

Hardy down to -17°C, it acclimatises in any region, in both open ground and pots. It is perfect for enhancing a terrace, the edges of a pool, a border, or even as a small free or trimmed hedge. In a composition of evergreen groundcovers, it will pair well with a Creeping Ceanothus, or the Buddleia ‘Lilac Chip’, a creeping butterfly bush variety.

Abelia grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’

What instantly captivates about Abelia grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’ is its remarkable light green foliage variegated with yellow, turning to reddish-orange in autumn. It also boasts very compact dimensions, reaching no more than 80 cm in height but spreading up to 1m wide. This small shrub with a slightly flattened habit is illuminated all summer long by a fragrant pinkish-white flowering. Its colourful foliage intensely brightens a partially shaded corner. It allows for the creation of a beautiful clump with changing colours in a border, in groups, as a free or trimmed hedge, or in a large pot. Like other abelias, it is quite hardy.

Abelia (x) grandiflora 'Radiance'

This dwarf and vibrant variety is a must-have! This mutation of ‘Kaleidoscope’ is appreciated for the brightness of its variegated foliage. With its particularly compact habit forming a large, luminous cushion, Abelia (x) grandiflora ‘Radiance’ is among the cultivars best suited for cultivation in large pots as well as for small gardens. It forms a regular ball of only 70 cm in height and 1.2 m in width. Its elongated white bell-shaped flowers, which are fragrant, bloom from June until October. The light green foliage variegated with white on the margins turns pink at the first frosts in autumn. This dense little ball, hardy down to -12°C in well-drained soil, is best grown in pots that can be sheltered in winter in our cold-exposed regions. To brighten up a border, you can place it near  Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’, another bush with a spreading habit, evergreen and variegated foliage. Heucheras will be interesting to use at their base in autumn.

Abelia grandiflora ‘Francis Mason’

A must-have among dwarf abelias! The Abelia grandiflora ‘Francis Mason’ flourishes into a beautiful rounded and slightly spreading bush, reaching 1.5 metres in height and 2 metres in width, with arching branches that lend it much elegance. The arched branches are adorned with dark green semi-evergreen foliage variegated with golden yellow, while all summer long, it is laden with an avalanche of fragrant pale pink flowers. Moderately hardy (-10°C), it should be planted sheltered from cold, dry winds that can damage the foliage and flowering. It is well-suited for cultivation in a large pot and for small spaces, adding a refined touch. With its compact habit and exceptional floribundity, it enriches a low hedge or enhances a natural shrub border alongside a Pyracantha ‘Sparkler’, which is interesting for its bright, variegated evergreen foliage.

Abelia grandiflora ‘Francis Mason’ (©Cob Lands and © Leonora Enking)

Abelia 'Raspberry Profusion'

The Abelia ‘Raspberry Profusion’ is certainly the most floriferous! From May to October, this new variety is adorned with numerous bouquets of graceful, fragrant shrimp-pink flowers supported by bright raspberry-pink sepals, contrasting beautifully against the green foliage. The leaves turn a lovely red in cold weather. Together, they form a beautiful dense and compact bush, in bloom for months, reaching no more than 80-90 cm in height with a spread of 1.20 m. Hardy down to -15°C, in a sheltered position and well-drained soil, this small-growing variety adapts well to gardens of all sizes. It can be grown in a large pot on a balcony or terrace, as part of a low flowering hedge, either free or trimmed, or to adorn the front of borders, paired with other small flowering bushes like the Deutzia ‘Yuki Cherry Blossom’, a miniature variety blooming in shades of pink.

Abelia zanderi ‘Little Richard ®’

Another must-have variety perfect for dressing small spaces thanks to its petite size! This charming miniature of the very compact abelia displays a dense, flowering cushion habit, reaching no more than 60 cm in height and 90 cm in spread. The Abelia zanderi ‘Little Richard®’ enchants us with its long and abundant flowering. From July to September-October, it offers clouds of fragrant, pale pink bell-shaped flowers highlighted by striking foliage of beautiful glossy green. The rust-coloured bracts provide an additional asset as they stand out against the autumn foliage that turns bronze. This adorable ball of flowers is hardy down to -20°C and will thrive in all our regions, whether in the ground or in a large pot. In a small informal hedge, consider pairing it with the Syringa microphylla ‘Superba’, a modest-sized Chinese lilac that flowers from spring through to autumn.

Abelia (x) grandiflora 'Caramel Charm'

 The Abelia grandiflora ‘Caramel Charm’ delights us with its shimmering foliage throughout the year, showcasing a coppery hue that gradually shifts to gold and then green, before finishing in violet tones under the influence of the cold. With a bushy habit, it boasts a modest size of 1.20 m in height and 1.50 m in width, making it essential for small gardens or on a terrace. Hardy down to about -15°C, it serves as a groundcover, at the front of borders or along pathways, or as a stunning specimen in a large pot. It forms a well-compact plant, providing a spectacle on its own, grouped with three specimens, for example. Small funnel-shaped flowers, ranging from white to pink, encased in rust-coloured bracts, enchant throughout the summer, blooming continuously from July to September-October. Plant at its base the Heuchera ‘Caramel’ and Carex flagellifera ‘Bronzita’, a variety of sedge with bronze-coloured foliage, to create a symphony of soft and warm colours.