New Abelia for the Landscape

Glossy abelia is a semi-deciduous non-invasive shrub. This species is an easy-to-grow sun- and heat-loving landscape plant that tolerates drought, attracts many pollinators and is resistant to disease, insect pests and deer. In response to industry need for drought tolerant, low-maintenance, compact and attractive plants, UGA Horticulture plant breeders developed the new cultivar Apple PerfectionTM. Foliage is a very glossy bright green. Flowering is heavy and begins in May and continues throughout the summer. Unusual for abelia, this cultivar has a mounding, uniform shape that requires little pruning to be attractive. Pruning needs are minimal, reducing maintenance costs in the landscape. It can be grown as a foundation plant, in borders, as a specimen plant or in a container. It propagates readily from cuttings and is easy to establish in the landscape. Apple PerfectionTM will be sold in nurseries in 2020.