Abelia × grandiflora
abelia
This shrub is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: fast
- Flowering period: June to October
- Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
An elegant, long-flowering, semi-evergreen shrub for a mixed border. This abelia has attractive, glossy, deep green leaves which it retains for most of the year. From June, it produces masses of small, fragrant, pink-flushed, trumpet-like flowers on arching branches that go on all summer. As it’s slightly tender, it’s best grown in the shelter of a wall, towards the back of a border. Ideal for a cottage-style garden.
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. In autumn after flowering, lightly trim back the flowered shoots to retain a neat and tidy shape. Remove any dead or damaged wood in April.