ABELIA. Central and East Asia, Mexico. A group of about 30 mostly deciduous shrubs of the honeysuckle family. They are often quite dense and useful for hedging, plus some of the bizarre treatments collectively known as topiary. Their pointed-oval leaves, sometimes with a lacquered upper surface, are paired along the stems. Nestling among them and at the shoot tips are clusters of narrowly tubular to bell-shaped flowers, colored white to purplish rose, mostly in summer and fall. They are easy to grow, thriving in sun or light shade, in most soils, with moderate to regular watering. Their hardiness varies considerably.
floribunda. Mexican abelia. An arching shrub of moderate growth, easily maintained at 3-5'. It has reddish stems and small, very shiny leaves. Rose-colored, narrowly tubular blossoms are borne in pendant clusters in late winter and early spring. Hardy to around 20oF.
x grandiflora. Glossy abelia. This is an ancient hybrid, now with many cultivated forms. Some are standard landscape shrubs. They typically grow 4-5' high, with greater spread. Their paired branches are slender and rather brittle. They are neatly lined by glossy leaves. Bell shaped white to purplish pink flowers are paired near the shoot tips in summer. Traditional offerings throughout California have included an unnamed one, growing as much as 8' high, with white flowers, and ‘Edward Goucher’, only about half as tall, with congested foliage and masses of light pink flowers with orange centers. There are further variations on the theme, less generally available. ‘Aurea’, possibly synonymous with ‘Goldsport’, is spreading in habit and grows about 4' high. The leaves are bright yellow in new growth, developing broad gold margins around a light green center when mature. Flowers are unexceptional, colored creamy white with a slight pink tinge. ‘Compacta’ is a dense shrub with dark, glossy leaves, growing about 3' high. It is claimed to be exceptionally floriferous, with pure white flowers. Sun or light shade, most soils, moderate watering. Hardy to 10oF or less.