Glossy Abelia Abelia x grandiflora

Glossy abelia is a medium-sized, round, dense, multi-stemmed, hybrid shrub in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). It is a cross between Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora.  It has arching branches and small glossy ovate dark green leaves with tinges of red. The flowers are clusters of small, white to pink blooms that are bell-shaped, fragrant, and have pink or purple sepals. Blooming occurs from late spring to fall. The shrub grows from 2 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide, but the size may vary depending on the cultivar. 

This hybrid is believed to have originated in Italy and was officially introduced in 1886. Since the hybridization, over 30 cultivars have been developed. 

The genus name, Abelia, honors Dr. Clark Abel, an English physician, and naturalist from the 18th century. The specific epithet, grandiflora, means "large-flowered."

The glossy abelia can be grown in full sun or partial shade, but it will flower best in full sun. It prefers moist, well-drained soils of loam, clay, or sand.  It is hardy, drought tolerant, erosion tolerant, deer resistant, and easy to grow, but intolerant to salty soil. The shrub is frost tender and is best planted in a protected site to prevent freeze damage. The flowers bloom on new wood; therefore, pruning, if needed, may be done in late winter and early spring. It is also resistant to Phytophthora root rot. Once established, glossy abelia requires very little maintenance. 

It is semi-evergreen to evergreen in the warm climates of the southern United States (zones 9 to 11), but it is usually deciduous in colder planting zones (zone 8). In zones 6 to 7, the shrub may freeze during the winter and die back to the ground.

Glossy abelia is versatile, easy to grow, tough, and has a very long blooming season. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted to its flowers. Consider using this hybrid shrub as an accent, border, hedge, privacy screen, or mass planting. Planted in mass, this shrub will add color and a slight fragrance to the landscape.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Spring, Summer, and Fall          Foliage:  Spring, Summer, and Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• Reddish new growth has three to four leaves per node. 
• Opposite leaves have reticulate venation.
• Bell-shaped, white flowers have a persistent reddish calyx
• Small shrub with exfoliating bark.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  The glossy abelia has no serious insect pests or diseases. Occasionally aphids can be problematic. Winter dieback can occur in colder planting zones.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy, and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.