What: Abelia “Edward Goucher,” has an extended bloom time — from summer into late autumn. The abelia’s tubular, half-inch-long, soft pink flowers provide beauty and pollinator sustenance. The glossy leaves emerge with a red tinge in springtime and mature to dark green on a multi-stemmed shrub with upright gracefully arching branches.
Where: Plant “Edward Goucher” in full sun or light shade for the best flowering. Plants prefer rich well-drained soil, but will tolerate poor compacted soils and clay.
Size: The glossy abelia will grow to be 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide when mature.
Care: Water occasionally — every 10 to 14 days during dry periods or regularly — once per week — for more lush growth. Abelia grows by producing strong upright arching canes that will flower heavily over the first three to four years. Allow these strong-growing, arching canes to grow, and selectively prune out the older twiggy branches near the ground.
— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks
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