
Abelia mosanensis
Fragrant Abelia
- Mature size
- 4–6 ft tall
4–6 ft wide - Sun
- Full Sun–Part Shade
- Water use
- Moderate
- USDA zones
- 4–8
- Bloom
- White
Summer · Fall
Notable features
Design notes
Specification
One of the more fragrant plants in our deck of 173 choices. Legend has it that it is deer "resistant." With patience it can be used in our region as a hedge.
Failure mode
Pruning at the wrong time is a frequent mistake. When pruned in late winter or early spring, the upcoming flowers are removed. No flowers = no fragrance.
Despite the pleasant fragrance, and its hardiness, this plant is a rare find regionally in our "mainstream" landscapes. Go ahead, be a trend setter — plant it.
Best companions for Fragrant Abelia
Six water-wise companions matched on water use, sun, USDA zone, and how they layer visually beside Fragrant Abelia.

Mountain Ash
Sorbus aucuparia
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Coral bells
Heuchera sanguinea
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Snow-in-Summer
Cerastium tomentosum
A reliable, well-suited combination.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Silver foliage contrasts with Fragrant Abelia
- Evergreen — holds structure through winter

Heartleaf bergenia
Bergenia cordifolia
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

False rock cress
Aubrieta deltoidea
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space
More that work
78 more compatible plants that pair well with Fragrant Abelia, grouped by category. Pin any of them to your palette.
Perennial (19)

English Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Silver foliage contrasts with Fragrant Abelia
- Evergreen — holds structure through winter
- Supports pollinators and wildlife

Basket-of-Gold
Aurinia saxatilis
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Evergreen — holds structure through winter
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Catmint
Nepeta x faassenii
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Silver foliage contrasts with Fragrant Abelia

Siberian bugloss
Brunnera macrophylla
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Tall bearded Iris
Iris hybrids
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

May Night Salvia
NativeSalvia x sylvestris
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Supports pollinators and wildlife

Cranesbill
Geranium varieties
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Bellflower
Campanula carpatica
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Jupiter's Beard
Centranthus ruber
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering

Pasque Flower
NativePulsatilla patens
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering

Purple Poppy Mallow
NativeCallirhoe involucrata
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Tall garden Phlox
Phlox paniculata varieties
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Globe thistle
Echinops ritro
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Supports pollinators and wildlife

Autumn Joy Sedum
Hylotelephium spectabile
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look

Black-eyed Susan
NativeRudbeckia hirta
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look

Butterfly Milkweed
NativeAsclepias tuberosa
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look

Ligularia
Ligularia dentata ‘Othello’
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Purple Coneflower
NativeEchinacea purpurea
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look

Showy Milkweed
NativeAsclepias speciosa
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
Tree (31)

Amur Chokecherry
Prunus maackii
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Autumn Purple Ash
Fraxinus americana 'Junginger'
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Bur Oak
NativeQuercus macrocarpa
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Callery Pear
Pyrus calleryana cvs.
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Chokecherry
NativePrunus virginiana
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Flowering Crabapple
Malus hybrids
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

River Birch
Betula nigra
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Common Hackberry
NativeCeltis occidentalis
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Supports pollinators and wildlife

Japanese Tree Lilac 'Ivory Silk'
Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk'
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Ponderosa Pine
NativePinus ponderosa
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Evergreen — holds structure through winter
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Amur Maple
Acer ginnala
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Bosnian Pine
Pinus heldreichii (leucodermis)
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Evergreen — holds structure through winter
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Colorado Blue Spruce
NativePicea pungens
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Evergreen — holds structure through winter
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Green Ash
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Pin Oak
Quercus palustris
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Quaking Aspen
NativePopulus tremuloides
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Rocky Mountain Maple
NativeAcer glabrum
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Thornless Honeylocust
NativeGleditsia triacanthos inermis
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

White Fir
Abies concolor
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Evergreen — holds structure through winter
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Bigtooth Maple
NativeAcer grandidentatum
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering

Kentucky Coffeetree
NativeGymnocladus dioicus
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering

Weeping Mulberry
Morus alba 'Chaparral'
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering

Western Catalpa
NativeCatalpa speciosa
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Austrian Pine
Pinus nigra
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Evergreen — holds structure through winter

Bristlecone Pine
NativePinus aristata
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Evergreen — holds structure through winter

Limber Pine
Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf ’
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Evergreen — holds structure through winter

Goldenrain Tree
Koelreuteria paniculata
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
Grass (9)

Blue Avena Grass
Helictotrichon sempervirens
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Evergreen — holds structure through winter
- Fine grass texture contrasts with Fragrant Abelia's form
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Black Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Fine grass texture contrasts with Fragrant Abelia's form
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Blue Fescue
Festuca glauca
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Evergreen — holds structure through winter
- Fine grass texture contrasts with Fragrant Abelia's form

Tufted Hair Grass
Deschampsia caespitosa
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Fine grass texture contrasts with Fragrant Abelia's form
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Fine grass texture contrasts with Fragrant Abelia's form

Little Bluestem
NativeSchizachyrium scoparium
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Fine grass texture contrasts with Fragrant Abelia's form

Maiden Hair Grass
Miscanthus sinensis
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Fine grass texture contrasts with Fragrant Abelia's form
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Switchgrass
NativePanicum virgatum
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Fine grass texture contrasts with Fragrant Abelia's form
- Supports pollinators and wildlife

Feather Reed Grass
Calamagrostis x acutiflora
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Fine grass texture contrasts with Fragrant Abelia's form
Groundcover (8)

Rock Soapwort
Saponaria ocymoides
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Lamb's Ear
Stachys byzantina
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Silver foliage contrasts with Fragrant Abelia
- Evergreen — holds structure through winter

Partridge Feather
Tanacetum densum
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Silver foliage contrasts with Fragrant Abelia
- Evergreen — holds structure through winter

Candytuft
Iberis sempervirens
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Creeping Phlox
NativePhlox subulata
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Sea thrift
Armeria maritima
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Creeping Potentilla
NativePotentilla verna-nana
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering

Curlicue Sage
Artemesia versicolor ‘Seafoam’
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
Vine (6)

Goldflame Honeysuckle
Lonicera x heckrottii ‘Goldflame’
Works well together.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone

Trumpet Vine
NativeCampsis radicans
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Virginia Creeper
NativeParthenocissus quinquefolia
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Supports pollinators and wildlife

Common Hops
NativeHumulus lupulus
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space

Silver Lace Vine
Fallopia aubertii
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look

Western Virgin's Bower
NativeClematis ligusticifolia
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
Annual (4)

Bachelor Button
Centaurea cyanus
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering

Common Sunflower
NativeHelianthus annuus
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Supports pollinators and wildlife

Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look

Narrowleaf Zinnia
Zinnia angustifolia
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Different structural layer than Fragrant Abelia
- Noticeable height difference for a layered look
Shrub (1)

American Cranberrybush Viburnum
Viburnum trilobum ‘Compactum’
Compatible on water, sun, and zone. Whether the combination reads well is your call.
- Blooms in spring — extends color when Fragrant Abelia isn't flowering
- Supports pollinators and wildlife
- Fire-resistant — good for defensible space
- Same water needs as Fragrant Abelia — one irrigation zone