Abelia schumannii (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Summer to early autumn
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Eventual Height: 2m
Eventual Spread: 3m
Hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Abelia schumannii is a semi evergreen shrub with a bushy, spreading habit and arching branches. Its dark green glossy leaves are ovate with entire margins, up to 3cm long and 1.5cm broad. Its new leaves appear bronze in spring. It pink/ lilac slightly fragrant flowers are funnel shaped and up to 1.5cm long.
Abelia schumannii Flower (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Abelia schumannii, is commonly known as Schumann Abelia, is native to central China. Abelia schumannii is synonymous with Abelia longituba.
The etymological root of the binomial name Abelia is after Dr Clarke Able (1780-1826) a physician and writer on China. Schumannii is named after Karl Schumann (1851–1904), a German botanist.
The landscape architect may find Abelia schumannii useful as an evergreen medium sized late flowering shrub. It may also be used as a formal or informal hedge. As it’s slightly tender in the UK, it’s best grown in the shelter of a wall.
Ecologically, Abelia schumannii flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Abelia schumannii Leaf (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Abelia schumannii prefers most fertile, well drained soils. It will tolerate most pH of soils.
Abelia schumannii requires little maintenance. Deadheading regularly will prolong its flowering period. If required prune in autumn after flowering.
