Abelia grandiflora (Glossy Abelia) is a medium-sized, rounded, semi-evergreen shrub with gracefully arching branches, densely clothed with small glossy oval, dark green leaves and clusters of pink-tinged, white, bell-shaped flowers. Slightly fragrant, the blooms are produced continuously cover a long period extending from late spring to fall. The foliage turn purplish-bronze in the fall.
- Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall and wide (90-180 cm).
- A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained, soils. Best flower production in full sun. Provide a sheltered location to help prevent hard freeze damage.
- Low maintenance, this plant is generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
Specimen or grouping or mass for shrub borders or foundations. Also effective as an informal hedge or low screen (plants tend to lose attractive graceful shape if pruned or sheared to a more formal hedge look) in southern areas where winter kill is not a concern. Mass on slopes or banks for attractive shrubby cover and erosion control.
No serious insect or disease problems. Winter die-back may occur in the St. Louis area.