Indian Abelia
Abelia triflora

Family: Caprifoliaceae

What it is like

Abelia triflora is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 3.5

Where it is found

Dry scrub and rocky slopes in calcareous soils, 1200 - 4200 metres in Uttar Pradesh.

E. Asia - N.W. Himalayas

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 1

Wood - hard, close and even-grained. Used for walking sticks.

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained open loamy soil in a warm, sheltered sunny position. Plants are best grown in semi-shade. They are intolerant of water-logging and of dry soils. Succeeds in any soil but new growth is less vigorous in dry soils. One report says that the plant likes a soil with a high chalk content, though another says that chlorosis occurs on very alkaline soils. This species is hardy to about -15°c, it grows well in the open at Kew. A fairly slow-growing plant, it is shy to flower in British gardens unless placed against a sunny wall. It flowers on wood that is 2 - 3 years old or older. Another report says that the plant flowers on the new wood, whilst another says that it flowers on terminal clusters. Any pruning is best done immediately after flowering by thinning out the old wood.. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus, Closely related to A buddleioides and A. umbellata. The flowers are wonderfully scented, with the fragrance of vanilla.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no specific information for this plant, but suggest sowing the seed in early spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a slight heel, July in pots of sandy soil in a frame. Takes 3 - 4 weeks. Very easy, a good percentage of the cuttings root. Cuttings of mature wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel if possible, November in a cold frame. High percentage. Layering young shoots.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Zabelia triflora. (Wallich.)Makino.