Glossy Abelia (Abelia × grandiflora) is a graceful and versatile shrub, admired for its glossy, semi-evergreen foliage and delicate clusters of tubular white-to-pink flowers. With a naturally arching habit, it brings softness and movement to garden borders, hedges, and mixed plantings. In Cape Town’s Western Cape climate, it thrives in sunny to lightly shaded positions, offering both structure and seasonal colour.
Flowering from early summer right through to late autumn, Glossy Abelia provides months of gentle fragrance and pollinator-friendly blooms. Its resilience, adaptability, and year-round foliage make it a reliable choice for both formal and informal gardens, while its subtle beauty ensures it never overwhelms companion plants.
Plant your Glossy Abelia in full sun to partial shade, ensuring well-drained soil enriched with compost. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots, then reduce to occasional deep watering once established. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage lush foliage and abundant flowers. Light pruning after flowering will maintain its shape and promote fresh growth. In Cape Town’s mild winters, it remains semi-evergreen, keeping your garden lively even in the cooler months.
If you plant Glossy Abelia near a pathway or seating area, you’ll enjoy not only its soft arching form but also the gentle fragrance released on warm evenings,a subtle delight many gardeners overlook.
| Botanical Name |
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Growth Expectancy
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60-90cm H x 1-1.5m W
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Position
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Sun - Semi-shade
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| Water Smart | Semi - Water Smart |
| Indigenous | No |
