Family
Caprifoliaceae
Botanical Name
Abelia x grandiflora 'Rika1'(BRONZE ANNIVERSARY™) PPAF
Plant Common Name
Bronze Anniversary™ Abelia, Glossy Abelia
General Description
The compact glossy abelia, Bronze Anniversary™ ('Rika1'), produces lots of showy flower clusters that shine against its bronzy orange leaves that mature to bright green. Abelia x grandiflora is the result of the cross between Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora and is evergreen in warmer climates and semi-evergreen in chiller areas.
The small, oval leaves of Bronze Anniversary™ offer their best color when they first emerge and in cold weather when they turn shades of orange and maroon. Flowering begins in late spring to early summer and will continue throughout summer and into fall, though the first flush is the heaviest. In frost-free climates the shrubs will flower into winter. The showy clusters of small, tubular, ivory flowers are produced at the branch ends. After the flowers drop, the rosy calyces (flower bud leaves) remain and continue to add color and textural interest.
Sites with full to partial sun and acid to neutral, well-drained soil are preferred. Well-established plants exhibit exceptional drought tolerance, especially if planted in partial sun. Glossy abelia responds well to pruning, but selective pruning that will maintain the appealing habit of the shrub is recommended over shearing. Most cultivars can be easily propagated from cuttings. This popular landscape shrub has a neat appearance and works well in foundation plantings, mixed borders or mass plantings. It is also deer resistant and its flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Sunset Zone
H1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Width
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Soil Compaction
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Pink
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Orange, Light Green, Copper
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Orange, Dark Green, Copper
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Orange, Dark Green, Burgundy, Copper
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Burgundy, Copper, Orange Red
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Bark Color
Red, Tan, Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
