New Abelia for the Landscape

Landscape plants with heat and drought tolerance, and resistance to pests, are becoming increasingly important for urban landscapes. A tough plant that meets these requirements is Glossy Abelia, a flowering shrub that is widely used in the landscape. 'Cloud 99' is a new release from long-term UGA breeding program to develop improved landscape plants with adaptability to the environment. 'Cloud 99' is a medium-sized abelia with bright green foliage and numerous large panicles made up of white flowers with pale green sepals that change to pale pink. The blossoms are highly fragrant. Form is upright and compact. Blooming is heavy even on young plants in containers or in the landscape. Drought tolerance of 'Cloud 99' is excellent, as the plant retains leaves even under very dry conditions. No insect or disease problems have been noted in potted plants maintained outside the greenhouse, nor in field plants. This new cultivar will benefit nurseries that produce it, as new cultivars result in increased sales. Consumers will benefit because it is a novel and attractive abelia, with drought and heat tolerance, and resistance to insect pests and diseases. New cultivars of abelia and other tough landscape plants benefit urban environments due to decrease in landscape water needs and pesticide use.