Abelia

don’t know what the name means, but “glossy abelia” sounds so beautiful that the plant just has to match, and it does. As the modifier implies, this abelia, Abelia x grandiflora, is indeed glossy. The tiny one-inch by half inch spearhead-shaped leaves are glossy dark green in summer, turning almost dark copper by fall. Abelia is evergreen, but just barely. Harsh winters will make you wish it would shed those tattered old leaves for bright new ones, and it usually does. Glossy abelia is a moderate growing shrub, reaching twelve feet high by six feet across in six or seven years. We have had these two specimens quite awhile, but we moved them to this present location a couple of years ago, so they have been trimmed back heavily. They trim up into hedges quite well, and like full sun to light shade.

The light-pink blossoms of glossy abelia are small, but the cumulative effect set off by the slick green foliage and copper calices of previous blooms makes it quite showy from mid summer until frost. You may note a resemblance of the blossoms to the blossoms of beautybush, Kolkwitzia amabilis, which was featured a while back on this site. They are both belong to the Caprifoliaceae family, which is made up primarily by the numerous honeysuckle species.

Enjoy a great weekend. As the growing season winds down there is much that needs to be done outside, so get to it. I hope to see you Sunday, as God’s people gather to worship Him.