Practical
Plants

Abelia triflora

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Abelia genus in the family Caprifoliaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Abelia
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
slow
Height
3.5 (unit unspecified)
Spread
3 (unit unspecified)
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Wood - hard, close and even-grained. Used for walking sticks[2][3].

Product or use
Wood

Environment

Range
E. Asia - N.W. Himalayas.
Habitat
Dry scrub and rocky slopes in calcareous soils, 1200 - 4200 metres in Uttar Pradesh[2][3].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Wind
No
Maritime
No
Pollution
No
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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[1]. Takes 3 - 4 weeks. Very easy, a good percentage of the cuttings root[10]. Cuttings of mature wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel if possible, November in a cold frame. High percentage[10]. Layering young shoots[9].

Seed Requires Scarification
No
Seed Requires Smokification
No
Seed Requires Stratification
No

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires a well-drained open loamy soil[1] in a warm, sheltered sunny position[6][9]. Plants are best grown in semi-shade[8]. They are intolerant of water-logging[6] and of dry soils[8]. Succeeds in any soil but new growth is less vigorous in dry soils[7]. One report says that the plant likes a soil with a high chalk content[9], though another says that chlorosis occurs on very alkaline soils[7]. This species is hardy to about -15°c[5], it grows well in the open at Kew[1]. A fairly slow-growing plant, it is shy to flower in British gardens unless placed against a sunny wall[8]. It flowers on wood that is 2 - 3 years old or older[4]. Another report says that the plant flowers on the new wood[8], whilst another says that it flowers on terminal clusters[9]. Any pruning is best done immediately after flowering by thinning out the old wood.[4][8]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[6]. Closely related to A buddleioides and A. umbellata[4]. The flowers are wonderfully scented[4], with the fragrance of vanilla[9].

References

  1. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 32202/01/01

    ↩1↩2↩3

  2. Gamble. J. S. A Manual of Indian Timbers. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh 32202/01/01

    ↩1↩2

  3. Gupta. B. L. Forest Flora of Chakrata, Dehra Dun and Saharanpur. Forest Research Institute Press 32202/01/01

    ↩1↩2

  4. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 32202/01/01 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  5. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 32202/01/01 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

    ↩

  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 32202/01/01 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  7. Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. 32202/01/01 ISBN 0-670-82929-3

    ↩1↩2

  8. Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins 32202/01/01 ISBN 0-00-219220-0

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  9. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 32202/01/01 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  10. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 32202/01/01

    ↩1↩2

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