Abelia umbellata (Graeb. & Buch.) Rehd. Native of W. Hubei and E. Sichuan, in woods at 1200-1800 m, flowering in June. Deciduous spreading shrub to 3 m, with stiffly hairy twigs. Leaves rather leathery, lanceolate, or elliptic, 4-8 cm long, toothed, sometimes hairy on the veins beneath; petioles swollen at the base. Sepals c. 17 mm. Flowers with tube 15-18 mm, lobes 3 mm, scented. Style as long as the tube. Any soil; sun or part shade. Hardy to -15°C. Early summer. A rare shrub; an old specimen, shown here, growing well at Crathes Castle Garden, Aberdeenshire. Distinct in its small flowers in groups of 5-7, swollen petiole bases and short style.