Abelia mosanensis, Fragrant Abelia

Pink-tinged buds open as deliciously fragrant white flowers in late spring—masquerading as a Daphne in scent (truly a rival) though much less finicky in the garden. Unlike Daphne, it's deciduous; the fall foliage develops a rich red-orange-purple hue as it ages. And the flower sepals, blushed pink, also have ornamental value on this underused shrub. Let it assume its natural habit, or prune it regularly if you have summer moisture. Frankly, it can look rather awkward if pruned only on occasion in humid climates. In our area, this shrub blooms just in time for Mother's Day and lasts for around three weeks. It has a longer bloom time than the other main spring scent-sation, Viburnum carlesii, the arrowwood or Korean spice viburnum, and its hybrids.  Mature size: 5-6 ft tall by 5-6 ft wide Minimum temperature: -30° F