shrub

Funshine Glossy Abelia

Abelia x grandiflora 'Funshine'

The Story

Plant Bio

Abelia x grandiflora 'Funshine' is a semi-evergreen shrub with arching branches, featuring glossy green leaves and clusters of fragrant, tubular white flowers that bloom from summer to fall.

This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant, golden-yellow new growth that provides a striking contrast to the mature green foliage, enhancing its ornamental appeal throughout the season.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides fragrant white flowers and evergreen foliage, enhancing visual appeal.
Practical UsesServes as a fragrant hedge or border, requiring minimal maintenance.
Ecological BenefitsAttracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.
SpeciesAbelia x grandifloraGlossy Abelia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate, drought-tolerant once established

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

10+ years

Native To

Hybrid Origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil
  2. Tuck young plants into prepared holes, water thoroughly
  3. Mist cuttings regularly to encourage root growth
  4. Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
  5. Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer
  6. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape

Pro Tip

Plant in well-drained soil and mulch to retain moisture during dry spells

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
  • Prune after flowering to shape the shrub
  • Apply balanced fertilizer in spring
  • Mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

  • Overwater causing root rot ❌
  • Heavy pruning in late fall ❌
  • Neglect watering in summer ❌
  • Use chemical fertilizers excessively ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fragrant border plantEvergreen hedge with silvery foliageContainer accent with aromatic blooms

Companion Plants

Lavender Russian sage SalviaSedumCoreopsis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Funshine Glossy Abelia questions

What zones can Funshine Glossy Abelia grow in?

Funshine 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 Funshine Glossy Abelia deer resistant?

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

When does Funshine Glossy Abelia bloom?

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

Does Funshine Glossy Abelia need full sun?

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

Is Funshine Glossy Abelia drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Funshine Glossy Abelia with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.