Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Abelia chinensis R.Br.

Frost-hardy, spreading, deciduous shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and terminal panicles of fragrant, funnel-shaped, pink-tinged white flowers in summer and autumn.  To 1.5m.  [RHSE, Hortus, Hilliers’]. 

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This new shrub is thus described in the Journal of the Horticultural Society - “A small spreading bush, with deciduous, bright green foliage.  The branches are very slender, covered with fine down, and deep reddish brown, when fully exposed to the sun.  The leaves are opposite, ovate, distantly serrated, on very short stalks, quite smooth except at the midrib on the underside, where they are closely covered with short hairs.  The flowers are pure white, something like those from the honeysuckle, and come in pairs from the axils of leaves belonging to the short lateral branches.  […]  It has hitherto been treated as a greenhouse plant, but will probably prove hardy enough to stand out of doors in mild winters.  The soil which appears most suitable is rough sandy loam, mixed with a little peat.  Being of free growth, an ample supply of water is necessary during the summer season.  In winter nothing different from the general treatment of greenhouse plants is required.  It is propagated from cuttings of young wood, in the usual way.  From its being sweet-scented, and the length of time it remains in flower, this will be of considerable importance as a greenhouse plant; and should it prove hardy, it will doubtless be a good addition to the shrubbery in consequence of its flowering in autumn.”  It was received from Mr. Fortune, June 20th, 1844, as a fine dwarf shrub, found among rocks on the Chamoo Hills.’  [BR f.8/1846]. 

History at Camden Park

Listed only in the 1857 catalogue [T.2/1857]. 

Notes

Abelia × rupestris L.Späth, a hybrid between Abelia rupestris and A. uniflora R.Br., is not Macarthur’s plant. 

Published Jan 24, 2009 - 02:54 PM | Last updated Mar 14, 2010 - 03:01 PM

The image depicts a flowering shoots with a terminal cluster of pink flowers.  Botanical Register f.8, 1846.

Abelia chinensis R.Br. | BR f.8/1846 as Abelia rupestris | BHL

Family Caprifoliaceae
Category
Region of origin

China

Synonyms
  • Abelia rupestris Lindl. 

Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Abelia rupestris 

Confidence level high