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Abelia x grandiflora 'Sunrise'

Previously known as:

  • Linnaea x gradiflora 'Sunrise'
Phonetic Spelling
a-BEE-lee-a gran-dee-FLO-ra
Description

Sunrise Glossy Abelia is an evergreen shrub in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae).  In colder climates, it is semi-evergreen. The branch sport was discovered in a field of cultivated Glossy Abelias at Taylor’s Nursery, Raleigh, North Carolina. The genus was named after Dr. Clark Abel, an 18th-century naturalist and physician.  The specific epithet means “large-flowered”.

The densely branched shrub grows best in full sun with average, rich, well-drained soil.  The average mature size is 3-5 feet tall and wide.  Apply fertilizer in early spring and throughout the growing season to encourage flowering. Since the flowers bloom on new wood, prune no later than late winter and early spring.  Propagate by stem cutting.

Whether planted in sun or shade, the leaves remain variegated with golden or yellow edges.  In the fall, the showy leaves are yellow, orange or red.  The flowers are fragrant and bloom from spring to fall. The shrub is deer-resistant and drought, humidity, and salt tolerant.

Trim the arching branches and plant as a hedge or screen.  Grow as a foundation plant, in borders, as a specimen, in mass planting, or in a 3 gallon or larger container.  Plant it in a pollinator or drought tolerant garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems.

More information on Abelia x grandiflora.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#fragrant flowers#semi-evergreen#pink flowers#showy leaves#yellow leaves#fall interest#privacy#light pink flowers#variegated#border planting#evergreen shrub#fall color yellow#fall color red#fall color orange#shrub borders#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#fragrant flowers#semi-evergreen#pink flowers#showy leaves#yellow leaves#fall interest#privacy#light pink flowers#variegated#border planting#evergreen shrub#fall color yellow#fall color red#fall color orange#shrub borders#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Abelia
    Species:
    x grandiflora
    Family:
    Caprifoliaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Semi-evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Mounding
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Achene
    Fruit Description:
    Any seeds produced are likely to be sterile
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Long Bloom Season
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Pale pink fragrant bell-shaped flowers in clusters from summer through fall. The reddish calyces persist into winter.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Semi-evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Variegated
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Simple, opposite glossy variegated leaves start out dark green with gold margins and mature to creamy yellow. Fall color varies, red, orange, yellow.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Brown
    Dark Gray
    Light Brown
    Bark Description:
    The bark is brown, gray, and tan.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    The new stems are reddish.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Screen/Privacy
    Small groups
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Heat
    Humidity
    Rabbits
    Salt