Abelia Grandiflora

Glossy Abelia

Botanical Name: Abelia × grandiflora
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Origin: Hybrid origin — parent species from China and Japan
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

Abelia × grandiflora is a versatile evergreen shrub in the Caprifoliaceae family. With its graceful arching stems, glossy green foliage, and a long, continuous display of fragrant white to soft pink flowers from summer to autumn, it adds structure, colour, and pollinator activity to gardens. Hardy and low-maintenance, it’s ideal for hedging, borders, or as a feature plant in both temperate and Mediterranean climates.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1.5-3 m H x 1-2 m W
• Growth Rate: 30-50 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Evergreen, glossy green leaves, some cultivars develop bronze or purple tints in cold weather
• Flowers: White to pale pink, tubular, fragrant, flowers continuously over summer to autumn
  
• Seasonal Interest: Long flowering period (summer–autumn), plus sometimes foliage colour in winter
• Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects
• Tolerance: Drought-Tolerant, Coastal-Tolerant (not front-line salt spray), Frost Hardy, Wind-Tolerant (avoid exposed salt-laden gales), Heat-Tolerant, Clay-Tolerant (not waterlogged heavy clay)
• Planting Density: Shrub borders: 1 plant per metre (dense) or 1 per 1.5 m for a looser effect, 2m+ for feature planting
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or clay loam
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8-12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10-14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry.
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; prune after flowering or late winter; fertilise in early spring.
• Lifespan: 15-25 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Neutral (tolerates slight alkalinity)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Privacy screening and boundary hedges with a refined finish
• Mass plant for cohesive ground-level structure and low maintenance
• Feature near entries, paths and outdoor living spaces; suitable for large pots where noted

Why You Will Love It

Fast, reliable and attractive year-round. Provides long-lasting structure and seasonal interest with minimal effort, supports pollinators, and adds lasting value to gardens and landscapes.