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You can’t go wrong with a shrub when you are looking for a hardy plant that can withstand a bit of neglect. So, what is the better choice between the abelia and the spiraea?
The abelia is a genus that comprises about 30 species native to Asia. Some of these are evergreen such that they keep growing even in the colder months.
However, it’s important to note that they only grow if the conditions are optimal, i.e., in warmer climates. The rest of the abelias are deciduous such that they lose their leaves in the fall and perk up again towards the end of winter.
Spiralia is another genus that comprises up to 80 species. It is easy to grow and maintain and has beautiful blooms ideal for landscaping like the abelia.
I will break down what makes these shrubs similar and what differentiates them. It makes it easier for you to see what a good fit for your space would be.
Abelia Vs Spirea – What Are the Similarities?
Let’s start with what these plants have in common, shall we?
They Are Shrubs
Abelias and spiraeas feature several woody stems growing from the ground. And this allows them to spread over a vast area, providing structure and character to any landscape.
You can use them as statements/ focal points in the garden or add them to the hedges. Besides, they provide homes for bees, butterflies, and other insects that will add to the ecological balance in your home.
They Have Low Maintenance Needs
Most people are looking for plants that need minimal care and can still grow well. And that would make the abelia and the spiraea a good choice.
Take the abelia, for example. Once it establishes, it can rely on just the rain to keep growing and will still bloom well enough to attract pollinators.
They rarely ever get infested by pests due to their hardy nature. The spiraea is just as sturdy and will not require you to fuss over it often.
They Love Sun Exposure
Abelias and spiraeas feature flowering species. And like with any flowering species, they enjoy having adequate access to light.
Only then can their leaves produce enough food to sustain the growth of the shrubs. But how much sun should these plants get?
The abelia can do well in both full sun (bright and direct light) and partial sun (bright and indirect light/ dappled light/ filtered light).
The latter will still encourage the plant to grow but will result in reduced blooming. If you want the plant to bloom well, place it in full sun.
However, if you live in a region where the temperatures can be too high in the summer or afternoon, you can choose a partial shade.
The spiraea should always be in the full sun if you want it to produce enough healthy blooms.
To achieve this light, you should place the plants in:
- The south of the garden: This section has full sun, or
- The east of the garden: For gardeners growing abelias in hot climates, locating the plants in the east allows them to get full morning sun and avoid the harsh rays of the afternoon sun.
You don’t need to shy away from the sun for fear of foliage damage to these shrubs.
They Do Well in Loamy Soils
These shrubs do not like sitting in soggy water. Thus, it is always best to plant them in well-draining soil with moderate water retention and moderate water drainage.
The best soil would be a loamy soil mix. You can always buy a potting mix straight from a gardening store if you can’t get such soil.
Ensure that the texture of the soil is medium-sized. Moreover, add a bit of organic matter to enrich the soil to support the healthy growth of the shrub.
What if the soil is too fine? Clay soils hold on to too much water. You can amend them by adding sand and other coarse materials.
And if the soil is too coarse, add a bit of compost to enrich the soil and increase the water retention rate.
They Are Drought Tolerant
Many plants droop and die when left for long periods without water. Is this something you should worry about regarding the abelia and the spiraea?
Not at all. You only need to put your best foot forward when the plants are young. However, once they establish, their roots will reach lower water tables and can use that moisture to survive periods of neglect.
But that does not mean that you should not water the plants. When the soil feels dry to the touch, you can always water the plants. Only do this when necessary to avoid overwatering the plants and overwhelming the roots.
They Flower
The abelias are flowering shrubs that produce tubular flowers in white, yellow, or pink hues. These fragrant flowers measure a few inches long and have four to five petals each.
They attract pollinators such as bees which adds to the garden’s beauty. Interestingly, abelias flower from spring to fall. That allows you to enjoy three seasons of full blooms, unlike in other plants where the blooms last a few weeks.
To help you enjoy the blooms for longer, you should ensure the soil has enough water, sun, and nutrients.
If you choose to prune the plant to curb its growth or direct its shape, you should do so in small sections to avoid weakening the plant.
Also, feed the plant with low-nitrogen fertilizers to ensure the plant focuses on flower production rather than foliage production.
How about spiraeas? These give rise to clusters of flowers featuring five sepals and five petals in the spring and summer. The blooming period depends on the variety, with some blooming longer than others.
Abelia Vs Spirea – What Are the Differences?
While these shrubs have a lot in common, there are some differences you should note when deciding which one works for your garden. These include:
Their Growth Habits
The abelia comprises both deciduous and evergreen varieties. As such, if you want to grow your shrub year-round and live in a region with optimal temperatures, you can do so.
But with the spiraea, all the species under the genus are deciduous. Towards the end of the fall, the plants lose their leaves, and you must wait until the winter ends to enjoy the foliage.
Their Preferred Soil pH Levels
The abelia can tolerate neutral soils, i.e., with a pH of 7. While it can still do well in such soils, it would do better in slightly acidic soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
On the other hand, the spiraea prefers neutral soil. Thus, if you planted them in the same section and used a one-size-fits-all approach, one plant would be bound to suffer.
If you would like to grow both shrubs in your garden, you would need to space them to ensure that the soil conditions of one plant do not harm the other one.
Their Mature Sizes
Are you looking for a focal point for your garden or another addition to the plants in your landscape?
The abelia reaches 2 to 10 feet (0.6 to 3 meters) tall on average, with a spread of 2 to 8 feet (0.6 to 2.4 meters).
Depending on the spiraea you choose, the plant can reach 20 feet tall (6 meters).
Thus, if you want a tall plant that catches your eye from far, the spiraea would be a good choice. But if you want a more subtle choice, you can always go with the abelia.
Their Ideal Growing Zones
Abelias are available in deciduous and evergreen varieties that can do well in a range of climates. They are ideal for USDA zones 4 to 11.
Spiraea plants do well in zones 4 to 8. As such, if you live in warmer zones (9 to 11), it would be best to stick with abelias as they are more tolerant to higher temperatures.
The Number of Species in Each Genus
The spiraea features more than 80 species coupled with cultivars and hybrids that boast enhanced features. The species differ based on their physical features, enabling gardeners to enjoy various options.
Take the bridal wreath spiraea as an example. It can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall and features tiny white flowers that make it ideal for wedding wreaths.
The abelia comprises about 30 species. Anyone looking for variety may be drawn to the spiraea for its wider range of choices.
However, its existing species are quite a sight to behold. Consider the Rose Creek Abelia, which has green leaves that turn bronze in the fall. How beautiful is that! Add that its flowers turn from pink to white, and you have a winner!
Final Thoughts
It’s important to note that the spiraea and abelia are not species but instead naming words for the specific genus they represent.
Thus, when choosing a species that falls under any genus, you should consider the care requirements that come with your choice. You will find that some require you to be on your toes more than others.
Happy Gardening!
