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ABELIA x grandiflora 'Sunrise'

Image of Abelia x grandiflora 'Sunrise' PP9698

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

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • 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

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m (4)

  • Width

    4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m (5)

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Soil Compaction

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Arching/Fountain-shaped

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Light Pink

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green, Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green, Gold

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Orange, Dark Green, Gold, Burgundy, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Orange, Dark Green, Gold, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Bark Color

    Tan, Brown, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Exfoliating

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No