Abelia Lemon

Abelia × grandiflora ‘Hopleys’ Miss Lemon

Characteristics

Culture

Miss Lemon Abelia is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It flowers best in full sun and prefers moist, organically rich soils which drain well. Miss Lemon is evergreen (in East Texas) with variegated foliage and has no serious insect or disease problems. ‘Hopleys’, sold under the trade names of Miss Lemon and Twist of Lime, was raised and introduced by Hopleys Plants, Ltd. of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Abelia × grandiflora is a cross between A. chinensis and A. uniflora. It is a rounded, spreading, multi-stemmed shrub in the honeysuckle family. Typically grows, on gracefully arching branches, up to 6 feet tall in the warm winter climates of East Texas (USDA Zones 8-9). The genus name honors Dr. Clarke Abel (1780-1826), physician and naturalist, who collected seed and plants as part of a British expedition to China in 1817.

Problems

Less graceful shape when pruned or sheared into a formal hedge.

Garden Uses

Miss Lemon abelia has variegated foliage that is yellow with green centers when young, maturing to ivory and green. Its bell-shaped flowers are light pink to lilac and bloom for a long period in summer and fall. Consider using Lemon Abelia plants as a specimen, grouping, or mass for shrub borders or foundations. It is also effective as an informal hedge or low screen (plants tend to lose attractive graceful shape if pruned or sheared to a more formal hedge look). Plant in mass on slopes or banks for attractive shrubby cover and erosion control.