Zabelia tyaihyoni, commonly known as Fragrant Abelia, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous shrub native to the forest edges and open woodlands of Korea. It is synonymous with Abelia mosanensis and belongs to the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. This shrub typically grows up to 2 meters in height and width, and is noted for its hardiness, withstanding temperatures as low as −20 °C (−4 °F). Fragrant Abelia is admired for its tubular pinkish-white blooms that are highly scented and appear in late spring, attracting pollinators. The flowers are showy and contribute to the plant’s ornamental value. Its glossy green leaves provide a stunning autumn display as they turn red before falling. The cultivar ’Korean Spring’ has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, highlighting its horticultural appeal.

Fragrant Abelia is a popular garden shrub due to its beautiful flowers, bright fall foliage, and ease of maintenance. It is often used in border planting, as a fragrant addition to gardens, and for attracting wildlife. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers soils with medium drainage, requiring medium amounts of water. While generally disease-resistant, it can occasionally suffer from leaf spot or powdery mildew. Pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages more prolific blooming in the following season.CC BY-SA 4.0