shrub

Glossy Abelia

Abelia grandiflora 'Radiance'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Hybrid Origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Glossy Abelia is a graceful, fine-textured, semi-evergreen shrub with arching branches. It is highly valued for its extremely long bloom period, producing masses of fragrant, bell-shaped flowers from summer to frost. 'Radiance' is a compact cultivar that offers multi-season interest with its striking variegated foliage. The leaves are green with creamy-white margins, and new growth emerges with a pink tint on crimson stems, providing color even when not in bloom.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Abelia 'Radiance' is a powerhouse of visual interest. Its bright, variegated foliage provides a constant splash of color, while the crimson stems add contrast. From summer to fall, it's adorned with fragrant white flowers, followed by attractive coppery sepals that persist into winter.

Its compact, mounding habit makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance foundation plantings, low hedges, or mass plantings. It is tough, adaptable, and resistant to deer and drought, making it a reliable performer in a wide range of landscape situations.

The long blooming season provides a continuous and valuable nectar source for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, from early summer until the first hard frost.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun or light shade with acidic, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
Gently remove the plant and loosen any circling roots.
Set the plant in the hole, with the top of the root ball at soil level.
Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant's base.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location protected from harsh winter winds to improve its evergreen performance in the colder parts of its range.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the best foliage color and flowering.
Water regularly during the first year and during dry spells.
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain a compact shape.
Ensure the soil is well-drained.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.
Avoid deep shade, which will reduce flowering and variegation.
Do not prune heavily in late fall, as this can encourage tender new growth.
Avoid alkaline soils, which can cause nutrient deficiencies.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright accent in foundation plantingsColorful low hedge for year-round interestElegant container specimen for patios

Companion Plants

Loropetalum chinense 'Crimson Fire' Nandina domestica 'Firepower' Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' Liriope muscari 'Variegata' Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Glossy Abelia questions

What zones can Glossy Abelia grow in?

Glossy 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 Glossy Abelia deer resistant?

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

When does Glossy Abelia bloom?

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

Does Glossy Abelia need full sun?

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

Is Glossy Abelia drought tolerant?

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