Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia

Abelia mosanensis 'SMNAMW'

Proven Winners®

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.

$26⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

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
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Attracts pollinators, Fragrant, Fall Color/Interest, Deer-resistant, Cold hardy, Flowering
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	5-6 ft
Width	4-5 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Growth Rate	Fast
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Pink
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Container
Plant Name	Abelia
Botanical Name	Abelia mosanensis 'SMNAMW'
Species	mosanensis
Cultivar	SMNAMW
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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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.

Sweet Emotion Blaze® Abelia

Abelia mosanensis 'SMNAMW'