Abelia x grandiflora is a hybrid of Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora. Both the parents are form central china. The plant is commonly known as glossy Abelia. It is the most widely grown Abelia hybrid.
It is a great designer plant, is known not only for stunning autumn colors but also for its dramatic color throughout the year.
Abelias are named after Dr. Clarke Able, s surgeon who was appointed as the Chief Medical Officer to Lord Amherst's Embassy to China was a keen naturalist too.
The genus Abelia contains about 30 different species of flowering shrubs and a number of hybrids.
These popular flowering plants belong to the family Caprifoliaceae (Linnaeaceae). They are native to eastern Asia (from Western Japan to the Himalayan ranges) and southern part of North America (Mexico).
Abelia is a prolific bloomer of fragrant flowers. The trumpet-shaped, scented flowers have a five-lobed corolla. The tublar white flowers have a light purple-pink tinge.
The shrubs grow well in full sun and can be 1-6 m tall. The plants grow well in sandy, loam, or clay soils. The gracefully arching branches add to the beauty of the plant.
These plants attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. They look nice in borders, however they are suitable for containers gardens, patios, and foundations too.