Glossy Abelia
Abelia x grandiflora
Glossy Abelia
Abelia x grandiflora
How are the heights measured?
All tree, and nothin' but the tree! We measure from the top of the soil to the top of the tree; the height of the container or the root system is never included in our measurements.
What is a gallon container?
Nursery containers come in a variety of different sizes, and old-school nursery slang has stuck. While the industry-standard terminology is to call the sizes "Gallon Containers", that doesn't exactly translate to the traditional liquid "gallon" size we think of. You'll find we carry young 1-gallons, up to more mature 7-gallons ranging anywhere from 6 inches to 6ft.
How does the delivery process work?
All of our orders ship via FedEx Ground! Once your order is placed online, our magic elves get right to work picking, staging, boxing and shipping your trees. Orders typically ship out within 2 business days. You will receive email notifications along the way on the progress of your order, as well as tracking information to track your plants all the way to their new home!
Why are some states excluded from shipping?
The short & sweet answer is: "United States Department of Agriculture Restrictions." Every state has their own unique USDA restrictions on which plants they allow to come into their state. While we wish we could serve everyone, it's for the safety of native species and helps prevent the spread of invasive disease & pests. We've gotta protect good ole' Mother Nature, after all.
About Me
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If you desire a shrub that is hardy, resistant to deer damage, easy to grow, produces fall color and attractive fragrant blooms, then Glossy Abelia might just be the plant for you. Those living in the warmest areas of its hardiness zones where freezes aren’t common will see the tallest and widest growth of the shrub, as it grows up to 8 feet tall and wide at maturity. Those living in cooler areas where temperatures can drop to zero will see shorter growth, with the shrub averaging around 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. Even so, its uses in the landscape are almost endless.
- Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies
- Produces fragrant, colorful flowers spring through fall
- Offers attractive fall leaf colors
- Many uses in the landscape
- Low-maintenance requirements
Glossy Abelia is a staple in many southern gardens and tolerates growing in full sun to partial shade. However, you will receive the most abundance of flowers when it is planted in a sunny location and the foliage is denser. When planted in a shadier site the density of the foliage decreases. The fragrant clusters of funnel-shaped blooms tinged in white and pink are around 3/4-inches long and bloom on the tips of the arching branches. You can expect it to put on its riot of colorful flowers springtime into the fall.
- Plant Hardiness Zones 5-9
- Mature Width 3-8
- Mature Height 3-8
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.
