Abelia is a very long lived drought tolerant shrub that attracts bees - they love this plant. Need plants for shelter? You can use this one. Mature plants provide a favorable setting for birds to nest and for birds to use as shelter.

Two butterflies are known to feed on Abelia - Western Tiger swallowtail and the Gold Banded-Skipper. Other butterflies have been observed feeding on them as Abelia is listed as a generic nectar plant for butterflies. Abelia x grandiflora is a "host" plant for a truly lovely moth that may also use this cultivar as a host plant. The moth, hummingbird clearwing, Hemaris thysbe, is active during the day. Hummingbird clearwing occupies a broad range in the United States. Its habitat includes cultivated gardens as well as meadows and second-growth forests. Report your wildlife sighting to us and we will include it here!

Abelia x grandiflora Sherwoodii, an evergreen shrub, is hardy in Zone 7, Zone 8, and Zone 9. It can be used as an accent plant or as a privacy border. Sherwoodii has two distinctions from x grandiflora - it has pink, violet flowers and is a bit smaller overall.