We have a Fragrant Abelia blooming right now that smells divine. I've loved the scent of lilacs since I was a kid but if someone were to force me to choose between the scent of lilac and abelia, I'd have a really tough time choosing! This shrub is great and we're going to get another one. It's hardy, disease and pest free, has very fragrant flowers in spring and a wonderful red autumn color.
I've learned that it can get leggy and needs to be pruned aggressively when young to take a good shape. That's a small price to pay for this shrub. This is what the flowers look like this week.
Abelia mosanensis
