Species

Abelia x grandifloraGlossy Abelia

12 other cultivars

shrub RHS Award

Francis Mason Abelia

Abelia x grandiflora 'Francis Mason'

The Story

Plant Bio

Abelia x grandiflora, or Glossy Abelia, is a versatile and graceful semi-evergreen to deciduous shrub. It is prized for its elegant, arching branches, glossy leaves, and exceptionally long bloom season of small, fragrant, bell-shaped flowers.

'Francis Mason' is a classic cultivar distinguished by its beautiful foliage. The new growth emerges with a bronze tint, maturing to a bright golden-yellow with a green center. It produces masses of lightly fragrant, pale pink to white flowers from summer to fall.

Uses & Benefits:

'Francis Mason' is a workhorse shrub that provides multiple seasons of interest. Its main feature is the bright golden-yellow variegated foliage that illuminates the garden, complemented by a long summer-to-fall display of delicate, fragrant pink flowers.

Its tough, adaptable nature and resistance to deer and drought make it a low-maintenance choice for hedges, foundation plantings, and massing. Its dense, arching habit is effective for erosion control on slopes.

The long bloom period provides a sustained nectar source for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, late into the growing season when many other plants have finished flowering.

SpeciesAbelia x grandifloraGlossy Abelia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Medium (20-30 years)

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun or light shade with good drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Amend heavy clay soil with compost to improve its structure.
Set the plant in the hole so the crown is level with the soil surface.
Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

For the best golden foliage color, provide at least six hours of direct sun; in shadier spots, the leaves will be more lime-green.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Prune in early spring, as it blooms on new wood.
Provide a location with some protection from harsh winter winds in colder zones.
Enjoy its long season of interest, from foliage to flowers.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or constantly wet soil.
Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall.
Don't worry about occasional dieback in cold winters; it readily regrows from the base.
Don't over-fertilize, which can reduce flowering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Brightening accent in mixed bordersGraceful, colorful informal hedgeDurable foundation planting

Companion Plants

Loropetalum chinense 'Plum Delight'Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight'Spiraea japonica 'Goldmound'Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Francis Mason Abelia questions

What zones can Francis Mason Abelia grow in?

Francis Mason Abelia is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Francis Mason Abelia deer resistant?

Yes — Francis Mason Abelia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Francis Mason Abelia bloom?

Francis Mason Abelia typically blooms in mid-summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Francis Mason Abelia need full sun?

Francis Mason Abelia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Francis Mason Abelia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Francis Mason Abelia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.