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Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia

Abelia mosanensis 'SMNAMW'

  • Reliably hardy and vigorous across USDA growing zones 4 through 8.
  • Produces a profusion of highly fragrant, spicy-sweet pink blossoms in late spring.
  • Delivers a dramatic multi-color fall display of brilliant yellow, orange, and red foliage.
  • Low-maintenance, deer-resistant shrub reaching a mature size of 5-6 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide.
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight to ensure the most vibrant pink blossoms and fiery fall foliage. While it tolerates partial shade, you will see fewer flowers and more muted leaf colors in darker areas.
  • Soil: This shrub thrives in moist, well-drained soil with average fertility. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in organic compost at planting time to improve drainage so the roots do not sit in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

For the first two growing seasons, check the soil daily and water whenever the top inch feels dry to help the root system establish. Once mature, the plant is much tougher, but inconsistent watering during high summer heat can cause the foliage to wilt or look stressed.

Pruning Tips

Because this variety blooms on old wood, you should only prune or shape the plant immediately after the spring flowers have faded. Think of it like a post-bloom haircut that allows the shrub to grow new wood over the summer, which will carry next year's flower buds.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, controlled-release fertilizer in early spring just as the new growth starts to emerge. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this pushes out soft growth that will not have enough time to harden off before the winter freezes arrive.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
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Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Description

Experience a double dose of seasonal drama with the Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia (Abelia mosanensis 'SMNAMW'). While many Abelias are prized for their summer-long blooms, this hardy deciduous variety is a master of the "grand opening" and the "grand finale," bookending your gardening season with incredible sensory appeal.

Spring Fragrance and Pollinator Parade

As the garden wakes up in late May, Sweet Emotion Blaze® bursts onto the scene with a heavy crop of trumpet-shaped pink blossoms. The fragrance is truly exceptional—a spicy-sweet aroma reminiscent of its relatives, the Honeysuckle and Viburnum. These nectar-rich flowers act as a magnet for bees and butterflies, turning your landscape into a buzzing hub of activity for weeks.

A Summer of Emerald Elegance

Following the spring floral show, this Abelia maintains a polished look throughout the summer months. Its upright, tidy habit and glossy green foliage provide a sophisticated backdrop for other perennials. Growing to a manageable 5-6 feet tall, it serves as an excellent mid-sized hedge, a structural border plant, or a stunning specimen in a mixed shrubbery bed.

The Grand Finale: Autumn Blaze

Just when other plants begin to fade, Sweet Emotion Blaze® lives up to its name. As temperatures cool, the emerald leaves undergo a spectacular transformation. The shrub ignites into a fiery palette of yellow, orange, and glowing red. This extended period of fall interest ensures your landscape remains vibrant well into the end of the season. Hardy down to Zone 4, this is the ideal choice for Northern gardeners who want the elegance of an Abelia with unmatched winter resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones can Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia grow in?

  • Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia is hardy down to USDA Zone 4, making it an excellent choice for northern climates. This exceptional cold tolerance sets it apart from many other Abelia varieties that struggle in harsh winters. Choose this variety if you're gardening in Zones 4-8.

Does Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

  • Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia performs best in full sun but tolerates partial shade well. Full sun will give you the most abundant spring blooms and most intense fall color transformation. For optimal spring fragrance and autumn fire, plant in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Shop at Nature Hills for this hardy Zone 4 performer.

How often should I water my newly planted Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia?

  • Water newly planted Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia deeply twice weekly for the first month, then reduce to weekly watering. This hardy Zone 4 shrub establishes quickly with consistent moisture during its initial growing period. Check soil moisture 2 inches down and water when dry.

When does Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia bloom and what color are the flowers?

  • Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia blooms in late May with fragrant, trumpet-shaped pink flowers that attract bees and butterflies for weeks. The nectar-rich blossoms provide exceptional spicy-sweet fragrance. Plant this hardy shrub for reliable spring color in zones 4-8.

What plants pair well with Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia in a landscape design?

  • Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia pairs beautifully with spring bulbs, summer perennials, and evergreens that complement its 5-6 foot height. The glossy green summer foliage provides an excellent backdrop for colorful flowers, while its fiery fall display works well with ornamental grasses and late-season bloomers. Plant it as a mid-layer shrub between taller evergreens and lower perennials, available at naturehills.com.

Is Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia susceptible to any common diseases or pest problems?

  • Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia is notably resistant to most common diseases and pests that affect shrubs. Its hardy nature down to Zone 4 indicates strong overall resilience. Provide good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent any potential fungal issues.

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