Glossy abelia is a fine-textured, semi-evergreen, sprawling shrub with 1½ inch-long, red-tinged leaves arranged along thin, arching, multiple stems. It is a hybrid between A. chinensis and A. uniflora. It stands out from other plants because the leaves retain the reddish foliage all summer long, whereas many plants with reddish leaves lose this coloration later in the summer. Considered to be evergreen in its southern range, glossy abelia will lose 50% of its leaves in colder climates, and the remaining leaves will take on a more pronounced red color. Reaching a height of 6 to 10 feet with a spread of 6 feet, the gently rounded form of glossy abelia is clothed from spring through fall with terminal clusters of delicate pink and white, small, tubular flowers. Multiple stems arise from the ground in a vase shape, spreading apart as they ascend into the foliage.
Invasive potential: not considered a problem species at this time and may be recommended by UF/IFAS faculty (reassess in 10 years)
Uses: border; mass planting; container or above-ground planter; superior hedge; specimen; screen; cascading down a wall. Attracts butterflies.
Winter interest: plant has winter interest due to unusual form, nice persistent fruits, showy winter trunk, or winter flowers
Glossy abelia grows in an upright, spreading vase shape if left unpruned with numerous thin stems arising from the ground. Stems eventually branch near their tips forming a shrub with a full top and a thin bottom. The cascading nature of glossy abelia makes it ideal for use as a specimen, foundation plant, or shrub border. It also can be planted along a steep bank for erosion control, or it can be clipped into a hedge. Be sure that the top of the hedge is clipped narrower than the bottom to allow adequate light to reach the bottom foliage. This will help keep the plant full all the way to the ground.
Foliage arises maroon fading to dark green, lending a reddish cast to the plant during active growth. The small powderpuff-pink flowers add color continuously during the warm months. Blooming on new growth in the summer, glossy abelia benefits from springtime pruning and will require occasional thinning to keep it in bounds as a hedge. Thinning will help light reach the interior foliage, stimulating branching and creating a fuller plant.
Glossy abelia enjoys fairly rich, moist but well-drained soil in a full sun or lightly shaded location and has good drought tolerance. Plants become thin and unattractive in the shade and do not flower. Plant on 4- to 6-foot centers to form a screen or foundation planting, slightly closer for a hedge. The foliage darkens during the winter, but plants generally remain full all during the cold months.
Cultivars include: Confetti—cream-variegated foliage, cream colored area turns reddish in cool weather, evergreen to about 10 degrees; Francis Mason—new green foliage changes to glossy yellow as it matures, color more noticeable in full sun, light pink flowers, 3 to 4 feet high; Prostrata—prostrate growth habit, white flowers, sometimes used as a ground cover; and Sherwoodii—dwarf, to 3 feet, somewhat smaller leaves and flowers. Abelia Edward Goucher, a hybrid between Abelia x grandiflora and Abelia schumannii, has abundant lavender-pink flowers and showy red calyces, reaches 5 to 8 feet, and is best used in USDA hardiness zone 6 and south. It is superior to most other abelia due to the highly fragrant pink flowers.
Glossy abelia works well as a background or massing plant to highlight the forms and colors of companion plants. The fine texture and small leaves of the abelia will show well with contrasting plant features, such as large leaves, coarse texture, thick stems, and dark green color. Contrasting size and shape, such as low-growing groundcover with a sprawling, mounding form, will emphasize the upright, vase shape of abelia. To create plant masses in large areas, select plants with similar characteristics that blend with abelia. Similar textures include thin blades and clumping, arching forms of grasses and other vase-shaped, small leaved shrubs.
No pests or diseases are of major concern, but abelia plants are occasionally bothered by aphids.
With their long blooming flowers and attractive foliage, abelia plants have become a backyard staple. These hardy, low maintenance shrubs can thrive in a diverse range of climates and soil types. Beyond just being beautiful, abelias also have many practical uses in gardens and landscapes. In this article, we’ll look at some of the top ways homeowners are using these versatile plants.
Abelias are flowering shrubs that belong to the honeysuckle family. There are over 30 different species, ranging from low, spreading varieties to taller types reaching 6 feet They produce tubular blooms from summer into fall that come in white, pink, yellow, and other hues depending on the variety The leaves often take on vivid fall colors as well.
While native to Asia and Mexico, abelias grow well across USDA hardiness zones 6-9. They require little upkeep once established and can handle environmental stresses like drought, heat, wind, and cold temperatures. This adaptability makes them suitable for all sorts of applications.
Popular Uses for Abelia Plants
Here are some of the most common ways homeowners are utilizing abelia plants:
Landscaping and Ornamental Plantings
With their flowers, fall foliage, and attractive shape, abelias make excellent standalone specimen plants or focal points in flower beds and borders. They can also be planted in rows or grouped to create an ornamental hedge or edging. The colors and textures they provide are beautiful additions to gardens.
Erosion Control
The dense, deep roots of abelia help hold soil in place, preventing erosion on slopes or hillsides. Their ability to slow water runoff also protects against erosion issues.
Attracting Pollinators
Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees flock to the nectar-rich blooms of abelia. The plants make perfect additions to pollinator or wildlife gardens.
Screening and Privacy
Abelias can be planted closely or pruned into a hedge to create an attractive, living screen for privacy or to hide unsightly views. Their branching structure and foliage density are ideal for this task.
Containers and Planters
The compact growth habit of some abelia varieties makes them well-suited for containers on patios, porches, and in small spaces. They bring ornamental appeal to pots or planter boxes.
Borders and Foundation Plantings
Abelias are commonly used as foundation shrubs or border plants along fences, driveways, or property lines. They define spaces while adding curb appeal.
Cottage Gardens
The informal, casual look of abelias fits perfectly in cottage,country, or informal garden designs where billowy perennials and self-sowing annuals are encouraged
Hedges and Screens
Pruned into hedges or screens, abelias create attractive dividers and living fences in yards. Their foliage density provides excellent cover.
Woodland Gardens
Some abelia species like glossy abelia tolerate shade well, making them suitable for partially shaded woodland gardens.
Railroad Plantings
Abelias are often planted along railroads and roadways. Their toughness handles the hot, dry conditions found in these locations.
Cut Flowers
The blooms and branches of some abelia varieties like Edward Goucher can be cut and used in floral arrangements.
Resistant Varieties
Deer and rabbit resistant abelia cultivars can be planted in areas plagued by these wildlife pests without fear of damage.
With this diverse range of functions, it’s easy to see why abelia shrubs have become a backyard staple. Their versatility, beauty, and no-fuss nature make them ideal for nearly any garden situation. Whether you need an erosion fixer, pollinator lure, or ornamental hedge, abelias are sure to fit the bill.
Publication # FPS 001
Release Date:February 21, 2018
Reviewed At:June 2, 2022
Part of Shrubs Fact Sheets
- DOI: doi.org/10.32473/edis-fp001-2017
- Critical Issue: 2. Water Quality, Quantity, and Supply
This document is FPS 001, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 1999. Revised October 2004 and November 2017. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
Edward F. Gilman, professor; Ryan W. Klein, graduate assistant; and Gail Hansen, associate professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, 32611.
- Gail Hansen de Chapman
How to Maintain Abelia – Description and Care Instructions
FAQ
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