Glossy Abelia

Plant in spring or fall in average, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, spacing 4–6 feet apart. Glossy abelia is a versatile, semi-evergreen shrub with arching branches, small glossy leaves, and tubular, fragrant white and pink flowers from summer through fall — one of the longest flowering seasons of any shrub. It adapts to a range of conditions without special preparation.

Prune in early spring to remove any dead wood and shape lightly. Abelia blooms on new wood, so spring pruning does not reduce flowering. The extremely long bloom season provides nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds from midsummer through frost. The foliage takes on attractive bronze-purple tones in fall. Fertilize lightly in spring. Very heat and drought tolerant once established. An excellent, easy-care shrub for long-season interest.