This species is closely related to Abelia buddleioides and Abelia umbellata[].

Common Name:

General Information

Abelia triflora is an erect, deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow around 250 - 360cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - N.W. Himalayas from Afghanistan to Pakistan, India and Nepal.

Habitat

Dry scrub and rocky slopes in calcareous soils, 1,200 - 4,200 metres in Uttar Pradesh[, ].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.50 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

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

Propagation

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