Overview
Abelia 'Little Richard' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Abelia, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Abelia 'Little Richard' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, mediterranean climate plants, gravel garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.
About
Abelia 'Little Richard' is a bushy, semi-evergreen shrub cultivar within the Abelia genus, known for its deciduous and evergreen shrubs and small trees. It thrives best in full sun with a south or east-facing aspect and prefers sheltered locations. This cultivar grows well in fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Suitable for cottage and informal gardens, patios, gravel gardens, and flower borders, it offers seasonal interest in spring and summer. Propagation is typically done by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
About the genus
Abelia is a genus of flowering plants in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. The genus currently includes six species native to China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Abelia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Abelia 'Little Richard' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Gravel garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Abelia 'Little Richard'
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Abelia 'Little Richard'?
Abelia 'Little Richard' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Abelia 'Little Richard' need?
Abelia 'Little Richard' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Abelia 'Little Richard' hardy in the UK?
Abelia 'Little Richard' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Abelia 'Little Richard'?
Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.