Abelia Miss Lemon™

Miss Lemon™ abelia is a compact, arching shrub for borders, foundation plantings, or a roomy patio container. Its yellow-and-green young leaves mature to ivory-edged green and take on purplish-bronze tones in autumn, while lightly fragrant pink flowers add a long warm-season display. Allow about 3 feet of height and 4 feet of spread; it grows in full sun to part shade and prefers freely draining soil. ## Landscape role and seasonal display The foliage changes color as it matures, so this shrub can brighten a bed even when it is not in bloom. The strongest flowering period is summer into fall, though NC State describes the fragrant flowers as appearing from spring to fall. Use it as a specimen, in a mixed border, or as an informal low hedge; leave space for the naturally arching branches instead of shearing it tightly. It can also grow in a large container with good drainage. ## Growing conditions The branded size is about 3 feet tall by 4 feet wide, and the listed hardiness range is USDA zones 6–9. Full sun promotes flowering, while partial shade is tolerated. Water regularly during establishment; once established, the plant tolerates lower moisture. It is **not salt tolerant** and is a poor fit for saline soil or exposed coastal sites. Leaf loss and stem dieback can occur in colder winters, so treat it as semi-evergreen rather than a guaranteed year-round screen. NC State Extension provides the cultivar-specific [growing and seasonal notes](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/abelia-x-grandiflora-hopleys/common-name/miss-lemontm/); see [Southern Living Plants’ Miss Lemon profile](https://southernlivingplants.com/the-collection/plant/miss-lemon-abelia/) for the current brand dimensions and use list. ## Breeder, brand, and plant rights Miss Lemon™ is Southern Living Plants’ brand name for the cultivar ‘Hopleys’. NC State records the selection as a sport discovered and introduced by Hopleys Plants Ltd. in Hertfordshire, England; the nursery now says it has closed. A CPVO annual report records European Community plant variety right No. 6049 in 2000. I did not verify its current legal status or a U.S. plant patent for this cultivar. See the [Hopleys nursery notice](https://www.hopleys.co.uk/home/hopleys-future-development/) and [CPVO report](https://aei.pitt.edu/42212/1/CPVO.2003.Annex.pdf). ## Maintenance Low maintenance once established. Plant in well-drained soil and keep the root zone evenly moist during the first growing season. Shape in late winter or early spring; every few years, remove up to one-third of the oldest stems at ground level to renew a crowded shrub. Avoid frequent shearing if you want the arching habit and flowers on new growth.