James H. Schutte
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Botanical Name
ABELIA x grandiflora 'Sunrise' PP9698
Plant Common Name
Glossy Abelia, Sunrise Glossy Abelia
General Description
The patented glossy abelia ‘Sunrise’ is one of the best variegated forms. It has a compact vase-shaped habit, distinctly red new stems and glossy green leaves edged in yellow. It is notably drought and disease resistant to boot.
Glossy abelia is a dense, rounded shrub with arching branches. It is primarily grown for its masses of long-lasting flowers but also has nice foliage year-round. This hybrid of Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora is evergreen in warmer climates and semi-evergreen in its more northern hardiness zones.
Its small ovate leaves are glossy, dark green and edged with yellow. In cold weather, the foliage develops attractive bronzy hues. Many small clusters of flowers cover the branches throughout the growing season but are heaviest in the first flush of the season. The white blooms are small, tubular, and fragrant, and each is subtended by five sepals of bronzy pink.
Abelia prefers sites with full to partial sun and acid to neutral, well-drained soil. It is surprisingly drought tolerant, especially when planted in partial sun, and takes well to pruning, though it has a beautiful natural habit. This popular landscape shrub has a neat appearance and works well in foundation plantings, mixed borders or mass plantings. It is 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, H2, 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'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m (4)
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Width
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m (5)
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early 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
Average
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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
Arching/Fountain-shaped
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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)
Dark Green, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green, Gold
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Orange, Dark Green, Gold, Burgundy, Bronze
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Orange, Dark Green, Gold, Bronze
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated
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Bark Color
Tan, Brown, Gray
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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
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Exfoliating
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Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, 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