Meet the Glossy Abelia
Glossy Abelia | Abelia x grandiflora
How do you know it’s me?:
I am a medium woody shrub, with a dense, rounded form.
I have funnel-shaped flowers that grow in clusters at the ends of my stems. They are white or pink and generally have pink sepals.
My leaves are opposite, small pointed ovals (sometimes more heart-shaped). They are glossy green or variegated (both green and white). Many varieties have leaves that turn reddish as summer progresses into fall.
My leaves have a slightly toothed edge.
My older stems are brown and woody, while newer growth tends to have reddish stems. My bark on the oldest stems will mature to have a peeling texture.
How big do I grow?: 2’ - 8’ height and 3’ - 6’ spread.
Sun-seeker or shade-lover: Full sun to part shade.
Where I prefer to put my roots: Moist, well-drained soils. I am very tolerant of drought, urban conditions, and clay soils.
Hardiness: Zone 6-9
Original home: I am a hybrid between two species that originated in China.
Colors: My flowers are white or pink. I am semi-evergreen in warmer climates (zone 9) or in a mild winter, but lose my leaves in cooler areas.
When I bloom: Late spring into fall.
Wildlife friends: I attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
Flora Fun Facts: I am named after Dr. Clarke Abel, an early 1800’s physician and naturalist known for collecting plants in China.
More Info: This Abelia hybrid has become a go-to for urban landscapes with tough soil conditions. It prospers in heat and drought, making it a great option for the low-maintenance garden. As an added bonus, pollinators love this plant!
A member of the Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle) family.
This plant is a hybrid between Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora.
Pruning (in late winter and early spring) will help this plant keep its shape and dense form (especially if it is not a cultivar). When not maintained, it may develop a looser form.
The Abelia is a little top-heavy, so be careful when transporting and planting. It appreciates a little buffer from winter winds.
In zones 6 and 7, the shrub may die back to the ground.
An option for a hedge, border / foundation planting, pollinator garden, or slope planting.
