Zabelia are a little known small genus of deciduous shrubs which were previously included within Abelia. Despite being deciduous, while most abelia species and varieties are evergreen, the habit and overall size and performance of Zabelia is very similar to Abelia.
Z. triflora grows into a large erect shrub with a graceful habit. I first noticed a strong scent in one of the tunnels when selecting candidates for our stand at the Chelsea Flower Show and quickly tracked it down to dense clusters of white flowers on Z. triflora. Sadly the plants were then too small to make the Chelsea trip but, closer examination, showed that the flower buds have a hint of pink and are produced in threes.
Zabelia triflora was introduced into the UK from the Himalayas as early as 1847 and was awarded an award of merit in 1959. It is perfectly hardy even in very cold winters and is easily enough to propagate in early summer from softwood cuttings.
