Butterflies in Mind -- Zinnia
Susan C. Dunlap
A collection of 50 images as if seen from a butterfly’s point of view. Includes the names of native Zinnia species and the most complete list of US butterflies that will feed on Zinnia blossoms.
Butterflies in Mind -- Asclepias
Susan C. Dunlap
“Milkweed is the single most important plant for Monarch butterflies. This lavishly illustrated book contains details about the structure and cultivation of native Milkweeds, information about the 139 nectar-feeding butterflies they...
Butterflies in Mind -- Monarch
Susan C. Dunlap
This abundantly illustrated volume enables you to select from a complete list of well described perennial nectar plants that are known to attract & feed Monarch butterflies. Over 40 genera are described that are suitable to be grown...
Butterflies in Mind -- Perennials
Susan C. Dunlap
Butterflies in Mind - Perennials. This book is a definitive guide to perennial nectar plants preferred by US butterflies. It empowers you to feed, attract, support (and help identify) nectar-feeding butterflies that reside in the US....

Abelia x grandiflora

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Native to: China

Plant

Type: shrub

Forms: arching, erect, open form

Leaves evergreen

Max height: 6.5 feet

Max width: 6.5 feet

Flower

pink, white/off white

Leaf

green

Horticulture

Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, hummingbird, specific butterfly species

Plant part consumed by birds: nectar

Plant features: evergreen

Exposure: part shade, sun

Landscape uses: deer resistant, hedge or edging

Propagates by: cutting

flowers in fall

flowers in summer

Soil type: loam

USDA Zones: zone 7 to 0 f, zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f

Temp. range: 0 to +30 °F

Water: drought tolerant, regular

Abelia is a long-lived drought tolerant shrub that can thrive for fifty years or more. It is a good plant for backyard birds and is useful in a bird-friendly garden. Abelia x grandiflora can be used as a border, a screen, and to attract and feed wildlife. Bees feed on the nectar and gather pollen, birds use this as a plant shelter or nesting plant, a butterflies feed on the nectar.

Abelia x grandiflora is a relatively hardy evergreen shrub that grows to 6 1/2 feet tall on average, but can grow to nearly 8 feet tall. Once established it thrives with very little maintenance. It responds well to trimming and can be grown to retain an arching branch form or trimmed more severely with a mechanical pruner to make it into a wall. Left on its on it creates a semi-open form - more open than a confer while denser than most perennials.The relative openness of the form is what makes it both a good privacy screen and good nesting and shelter habitat. It can be used as an accent plant or as a privacy border. Occasional trimming will help maintain its use as a privacy border.

Abelia x grandiflora, larger than other cultivars, is hardy in Zone 7, Zone 8, and Zone 9. Other species can be grown in Zones 10 and 11.

Abelia is a "host" plant for a truly lovely moth, active during the day, named the hummingbird clearwing, Hemaris thysbe. Hummingbird clearwing occupies a broad range in the United States. Its habitat includes cultivated gardens as well as meadows and second-growth forests.

Our 2023 nectar plant database showed that seventeen butterflies will nectar on Abelia.