Glossy abelia is a plant that is native to China and Japan. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The leaves are elliptical shaped and are green in color with a glossy sheen. The flowers are small and white and bloom in clusters. The glossy abelia is a popular landscape plant and is used in many gardens and yards.
Related plant:
Glossy Buckthorn
About soil condition, glossy abelia prefers well-drained soils, whether sandy, loamy or clay. It also does well in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It is adaptable to both sun and shade but does best in full sun.
Not too different with other types of abelia, the glossy abelia does best in full sun to partial shade. It will flower more abundantly in full sun, but it can tolerate some shade, especially in hot summer climates.
The temperature condition that is best for glossy abelia is one that is warm. This plant does not do well in cold weather and can even die if the temperature gets too low. If you live in an area with cold winters, it is best to plant your glossy abelia in a pot so that you can bring it indoors when the temperature starts to drop.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and higher. The glossy abelia prefers high humidity, but can tolerate lower levels if necessary. If the humidity dips too low, the leaves may start to curl and the plant may become stressed. Try to keep the humidity around the plant consistent by using a humidifier or placing the pot on a pebble tray.
Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a low nitrogen fertilizer. It's important not to over-do it, as too much nitrogen will result in lots of foliage but few flowers. A good time to fertilize is in early spring, before new growth begins. Regarding root, it's best to plant this shrub in an area with well-drained soil. If the soil is too heavy, it won't drain well and the roots will rot.
Pruning your glossy abelia will encourage new growth and help to keep your plant looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can prune your plant lightly throughout the growing season, or give it a more substantial pruning in early spring.
Propagation of glossy abelia is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the stems. Remove any leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in a moistened potting mix and cover with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Set the pot in a bright, indirect light location and keep the potting mix moist but not soggy. Roots should form in 4-8 weeks at which point the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Usually, the plant growth rate is rapid during the first few years after planting. Once established, growth is more moderate, averaging about 10 inches (25 cm) per year. However, in ideal conditions, some glossy abelia plants have been known to grow up to 24 inches (60 cm) in a single season.
Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, scale, thrips, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with a number of different methods including biological control, horticultural oil, and pesticides.
Source:
Glossy Abelia | Oklahoma State University
Glossy Abelia - Abelia grandiflora - PNW Plants
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