Common Name(s):
Glossy abelia
Cultivar(s):
'Edward Goucher' (more compact), 'Canyon Creek', 'Kaleidoscope', 'Little Richard', 'Mardis Gras', 'Rose Creek', 'Silver Anniversary'
Category:
Shrubs
Comment:
This is a drought tolerant, hardy easy to grow shrub. It flowers on new growth in late spring-early summer and continues into fall and early winter. It has a persistent ornamental calyx that is reddish-bronze and lasts for months. The new growth and fall foliage is reddish-bronze. It can be severely pruned back and transplants easily. The bark is attractive and peeling. 'Edward Goucher' is slightly more compact, 3-5' with lavender-pink flowers.

Wildlife Value: This shrub is attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and is resistant to damage by deer.

Insect, Disease, and Other Plant Problems: No serious pest or disease problems. Tolerates air pollution.

Quick ID Hints

May be 3-4 leaves per node on reddish new growth
Leaves have reticulate venation, are opposite
Bell-shaped, white flowers; persistent reddish calyx
Small shrub with exfoliating bark
Compare this species to: Kolkwitzia amabilis

Height:
3-6 ft.
Foliage:
0.7 to 1.5 in. glossy dark green leaves; opposite, simple; ovate, dentate, acute, cuneate to rounded base, 1.5-6.5 cm; reticulate venations; young leaves reddish maturing to glossy green, paler beneath; turns bronze-green to bronze-red in winter
Flower:
White, funnel-shaped 0.75 to 1 in. flowers from early summer to frost; develops a light purple-pink tinge; free flowering; slightly fragrant
Zones:
6 to 9
Habit:
Semi-evergreen
Site:
Sun to partial shade; prefers acidic moist, well-drained site but tolerates clay, damp, or dry soil.
Texture:
Medium to fine
Form:
Spreading, dense, rounded, multi-stemmed shrub; arching branches; can become leggy
Width:
3-6 ft.
Tags:
purple, gold, pollinator, fragrant, hummingbirds, lavender, fall, white, deer resistant, evergreen, pink, sun, fall color, wildlife, leaves, flowers, easy to grow, pollution, green, partial shade, bark, drought tolerant, red

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