Glossy Abelia

Scientific Name: Abelia Χ grandiflora Hort.
Family: Caprifoliaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 4-24, 28-35
AHS: 9-1
USDA: 7-9

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 5°F (-15°C), below this, the stems freeze but the plant might recover.

Heat Tolerance: Avoid afternoon sun in the desert

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Origin: Hybrid of 2 Chinese species, Abelia chinensis × A. uniflora

Growth Habits: Deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub, up to 5 feet tall, 5 feet in spread (1.5 by 1.5 m); bright green, shiny, ovate leaves, 0.8 to 1.6 inches long (2-4 cm)

Flowers: White flowers

Watering Needs: Regular water

Propagation: Softwood cuttings in summer, layers in spring

Propagation: Cutting or occasionally layering

• by semi-hardwood stem tip cuttings, in early summer. Apply IBA TALC 8000 PPM. Use intermittent mist. Root in 4-6 weeks.
• by tip layers, in spring.

Glossy Abelia in a local nursery.

Abelia grandiflora is an hybrid of Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora.
- Abelia 'Edward Goucher' (picture 1) is less hardy than the regular A. grandiflora, and has pinkish flowers.
- Abelia 'Francis Mason' has yellow or yellow edged leaves.

Blooming Habits:
The Glossy Abelia bears white to lilac-pink, funnel shaped flowers from late spring to fall.

Culture:
Plant in the fall. The abelias are sensitive to chlorosis in alkaline soils.