Abelia is an appealing evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub that blooms reliably from late spring to frost. This attractive new release from Michael Dirr was a chance seedling selected for its low, mounding growth habit. It has white flowers and crimson new stems. Abelia is easy to grow in full or part sun well-drained, moist soil. Best to site away from sweeping winter winds near the lower end of its hardiness range. Z. 6-9

Abelia is an appealing evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub that blooms reliably much of the summer. We've been impressed with this new introduction from a New York garden. Scads of really pretty salmon pink buds open to white flowers with soft pink bracts from midsummer to frost. The fragrant flowers bring plenty of butterflies, and you'll enjoy them, too! Reaches 4-6 feet and can easily be kept smaller by spring pruning. Abelia is easy to grow in full or part sun and well-drained, moist soil. Best to site away from sweeping winter winds near the colder end of its hardiness range. Z. 6-9

A real charmer with glossy, semi-evergreen leaves that are tinted red at first before greening up, and in fall they take on a purplish cast. Lightly fragrant white flowers appear during much of the summer and into fall. Grows compactly to about 2 feet with equal spread. We are indebted to the Scott Arboretum for sharing their plant with us. Z. 6-9

An appealing evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub that blooms reliably from late spring to frost. This new dwarf cultivar has lustrous dark green leaves and white flowers tinged pink. It matures into a dense, compact mound of 2-3 feet high and wide. Nearly evergreen in mild winters. Z. 6-9