Glossy Abelia

The shrub has a rounded, vase-like and sprawling habit with arching branches covered in glossy 1.25-inch long foliage. During spring and summer, the foliage is generally green; however, during the fall it changes to purplish-bronze and brightens up even the dullest areas of the landscape. Those living in the warmest areas of its hardiness zones will experience the longest persistence of the colorful fall foliage, even into springtime.

Growing Glossy Abelia

Glossy Abelia performs as either an evergreen, semi-deciduous or deciduous shrub, depending on your winter weather conditions. Those living in its warmest hardiness zones where freezes aren’t common can expect it to perform as an evergreen. However, those living in locations that typically receive temperatures dropping down to zero will see it perform as a deciduous shrub. The branches may actually die down to the ground is these locales, but rest assured, once spring’s warm weather returns so will new growth. Therefore, gardeners living in the coldest areas should plant Glossy Abelia in a protected location and protect its root system with a thick layer of mulch.

When it comes to flowering, Glossy Abelia blooms on new wood, so give the branches a light trimming once the weather starts warming in spring. If for some reason your shrub looks like winter killed some of its branches, wait until spring to trim off any dead sections. Many times wood that looks dead is actually still alive and will sprout new foliage in springtime. You don’t want to transfer any unwanted disease or pests to your Glossy Abelia, so always sanitize your pruning tool blades before making any cuts. This is as simple as wiping off the blades with rubbing alcohol.

Besides its hardiness, low-maintenance requirements and colorful appeal, any serious pests or disease problems don’t plague Glossy Abelia, provided it is planted and grown in its preferred conditions. This makes it another carefree addition to the garden.

Uses on Your Property

You will not be at a loss when it comes to all the many ways Glossy Abelia fits into your landscape. If you desire to attract beneficial pollinators to the garden, then it fits the bill as its flowers attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. It works quite well used as a hedge, screen or along a border. However, if kept pruned it loses some of its natural and attractive arching shape. If you happen to have an erosion problem, Glossy Abelia grows well planted on slopes to help control the loss of soil.

With its colorful and fragrant flowers, as well as its stunning display of fall leaf colors, Glossy Abelia makes a wonderful and eye-catching specimen. It also is attractive planted in mass groupings. Use it as a backdrop or in mixed gardens to help contrast other plants with different forms and leaf shapes. It works well as a foundation plant.

Glossy Abelia also grows quite happily in containers or above ground planter boxes. Just make sure the containers have bottom drainage. Bring color and fragrance to a porch or entranceway with its striking flowers and colorful foliage. It is sure to be noticed with its alluring appeal.

Planting Location

When deciding where to plant your Glossy Abelia, and especially if you are planting multiple plants, consider their height and width at maturity. You want to make sure you give adequate spacing between multiple plants so they receive proper circulation of air, which cuts down on problems with disease. It performs well grown in a site situated in full sun to partial shade. However, you will get the most blooms when it is grown in a sunny location. In addition, if you grow the Glossy Abelia in a site that is too shady the plants become thin and flowering ceases.

Even when grown in partial shade, plants won’t be as dense as those grown in sunnier locations will.

When it comes to appropriate soil conditions, Glossy Abelia grows best when planted in an organically rich soil that drains well, but kept moist. Especially during its first season of growth, give the shrub regular deep water application, as it’s moderately tolerant to drought conditions and becomes more drought tolerant as it matures.

History and Origins of Glossy Abelia

The genus of Abelia honors Dr. Clarke Abel, who was a naturalist and physician and was part of a British expedition to China in 1817, collecting various plants and seeds. Glossy Abelia is a cross between Abelia x chinensis and Abelia uniflora, as well as a member of the honeysuckle family. You are getting the best of the best when you purchase our Glossy Abelia, as they’ve lived their entire life in a nursery environment and inside containers, getting the absolute best of care. They are sure to grace your landscape with their colorful and fragrant beauty for years to come and give you healthy growth.