Abelia grandiflora aka Glossy Abelia
Taxonomy
Abelia grandiflora, also known as Linnaea × grandiflora or Abelia × grandiflora, is a hybrid species of flowering plant in the honeysuckle family Caprifoliaceae. It was created by crossing L. chinensis with L. uniflora. This attractive shrub has semi-evergreen foliage that starts off copper-colored when new, then turns soft yellow, followed by green in summer and finally bronze-tinged in autumn. It produces pinkish-white flowers in clusters during the summer and autumn. Abelia shrubs have long been popular in landscaping due to their interesting foliage, showy flowers, reliable performance, and easy care. The glossy abelia plant offers a range of colors and forms, with newer cultivars available. The foliage of the evergreen abelia is red throughout the summer, becoming even more vibrant in autumn and winter. The plant also produces fragrant and frilly pink and white tubular flowers in multiple bursts from spring to fall. In colder regions, the glossy abelia is considered semi-evergreen as it may lose some of its leaves in the winter.
Common names
Glossy Abelia, Da Hua Nuo Mi TiaoHow to care for Glossy Abelia
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Glossy Abelia due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Glossy Abelia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Glossy Abelia loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Glossy Abelia thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Glossy Abelia.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Glossy Abelia is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.
More info:
Wikipedia
