Abelia

Abelia x grandiflora
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Podcast script

Shrub	Bark
Leaf	Flower

Classification:

Angiosperm, Dicot, evergreen

Size:

5-8ft tall 5-8ft wide. They should be spaced 36 to 60 inches apart.

Identifying Features:

Large rounded shrub with arching branches. It is multi-stemmed and dense. Small fragrant flowers with 5 lobes. New stems are a light brownish-red. Semi-Evergreen. It is an evergreen in Southern regions but in colder regions it will loses 50% of its leaves. Small glossy ovate leaves. Has .7 to 1.5 inch green leaves. They turn bronze in the fall. The border of the leaf is serrate. Opposite leaf arrangement. Has thin grayish bark that can be pealed off.

Location/Habitat:

originated in China. Cultivated in Italy in the Rovelli nursery. Does well in zones 6-9. Does well in mid to southern Unites Sates. Hardy till -15 C.

Flower/Fruit/Reproduction:

0.7" trumpet shaped flowers with 5 lobes. Ranging in color from lavender or pink to white. Flowers bloom summer till fall. The fruit is small (less than .5") and ovate. It has a hard shell and tan. It is not showy or noticeable.

Water/Sun Requirements:

Water once every two to three weeks deeply. Drought tolerant. Needs full sun to part shade.

Special Adaptations:

Great for attracting butterflies and birds. Resistant to deer. Grows rapid to moderate speed. Does not have any major disease or pest problems.

Other Info:

Easy to grow. Can tolerate severe pruning. Easily transplanted. Likes acidic soil that is well drained and moist but can take clay and sandy soil. Can look unkempt.

Reference Sources/Links:

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ABGR4
http://www.gardening.eu/plants/Shrubs/Abelia/967/
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Caprifoliaceae/Abelia_grandiflora.html
http://cals.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Abelia_grandiflora.html
http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/abegrab.pdf
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/shrubs/abelia_xgrand-edwardg.html
http://ecolage.safeshopper.com/173/2074.htm?450
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FP003

Created by Mackenzie B. 2007