'Cloud 99': New Abelia for the Landscape

Summary

Landscape plants with heat and drought tolerance, and resistance to pests, are becoming increasingly important for urban landscapes. Our program is developing new cultivars of abelia, a drought and pest resistant shrub.

Situation

New cultivars are in constant demand by the nursery and landscape industries. Of particular interest are plants that are drought tolerant, pest resistant, low maintenance, and perform well under a variety of landscape conditions. A tough plant that meets these requirements is Glossy Abelia (Abelia ? grandiflora), a flowering shrub that is widely used in the landscape. Despite these qualities, improved cultivars are desired by growers and landscapers. Most available cultivars are tall with poor form, have inconspicuous white flowers lacking fragrance, and tend to drop leaves under drought conditions. Development of novel and appealing cultivars that maintain their aesthetic appeal under drought conditions is especially important to consumers in urban areas where watering restrictions have become commonplace.

Response

A long-term breeding program to develop improved landscape plants with adaptability to the environment is ongoing at the University of Georgia. 'Cloud 99' is a new release from this program; it will be available in the near future. '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 large panicles of 'Cloud 99' are especially noteworthy because they form compound clusters that reach over five inches in length. Peak bloom occurs in mid-July though the sepals make a stunning display through the end of summer. 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.

Impact

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.

State Issue

Conservation & Management of Natural Resources

Details

• Year: 2007
• Geographic Scope: Multi-State/Regional
• County: Spalding
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources