The Abelia And Spirea - Two Splendid Ornamental Shrubs

The Abelia and Spirea shrubs are two plants that will show off their delicate flowers in the spring and summer months. Each of these plant specimens can create a warm and soft accent in any garden setting. I love to incorporate both of these specimens around some solid color evergreen trees or shrubs. One of the highlights of these shrubs is creating a privacy area or back drop of Aborvitaes and to position both of these shrubs at opposite ends in front of the backdrop. You can also plant some Junipers in between the Abelia and Spirea. Both of these specimens are hardy and once established, will thrive in a well drained soil. Lets take a closer look at each one of these splendid plant specimens.

Soft Flowers

Full Shrub

Dwarf Abelia

Variegated Variety

Full Plant

Confetti Species

Above are six photos of a few of the varieties available today of the Abelia specimen. This plant family will do well in zones five through nine and in full sun or partial shade. The shrubs will do best if given at least six hours of sunlight. Once established, this is a great drought tolerant plant. It is an evergreen shrub and can mature three to six feet in height and three to six feet in width. The plant has an upright form but also displays its natural open and airy growth pattern. The eloquent white bell shape flowers will emerge in June and last until the first frost. In the winter time in colder regions, the leaves may die out, but when the air and ground temperature rises in the mist of springtime, the leaves will quickly begin to appear. A tip if planting this shrub in a colder climate, plant in an area that doesn't receive strong winds and also a limited amount of morning sunshine. All varieties of the Abelia can be pruned back in the fall and remove the dead canes.

The different varieties of this plant family allows you to create your own unique look in any style of garden. The Edward Goucher is a dwarf version and is suited as a ground cover or foundation plant. The pink flowers will accent a solid color evergreen shrub such as a Globosa Nana or small Holly. The Kaleiscope variety is noted for its variegated leaves and will compliment the Loropetalum or Chinese Pizazz. The Chinensis and the X Grandiflora are two popular bigger plant specimens. They look striking as a hedge or even a privacy setting along a fence. These two plant specimens also attracts butterflies and will do well in a butterfly garden. The Abelia specie will also create a soft look with other outdoor features.

Little Princess Spirea

Clusters of Delicate Flowers

The Spirea is another wonderful ornamental shrub that can fit into almost any garden or landscape area. The Spirea will grow well in zones three through nine. This shrub will mature anywhere from six to eight feet high and six to ten feet wide. It loves full sun and is considered deciduous. There are also a variety of specimens in this plant family. The Spirea is known for its mass of white blooms in the springtime. The Baby's Breath is one of the most popular shrubs to use as a hedge, along the side of your home, and can hide an eye sore such as an air conditioner unit or other utility structure. In the fall, the Baby Breath takes on a new face and turns into a spectacular bronze color. This is a magnificent show with other fall foliage. The white flower varieties will also create a splendid appearance in front of a Norway Spruce, Cedars or different species of Pine, such as a White Pine.

The smaller or dwarf Spireas take center stage in the summer months and produce delicate pink blossoms. The Little Princess shown in the pictures above are one of my favorites. The tiny rich pink color can be a showcase around a Japanese Maple or some varieties of the Cypress family. One tip for older Spirea Plants, pruning can be done once a year by cutting the branches back to ground level. Do this for three years in a row, and your Spirea will produce massive flowers and full foliage just like a younger plant.

Both the Abelia and the Spirea remind me of an old-fashion garden Their delicate appearance as well as versatile use in many different landscape settings, is a great reason to consider planting either of these shrubs. These two shrub varieties can truly enhance your any garden project.