Glossy Abelia Abelia × grandiflora 'Francis Mason' (v)
![abelia 'Francis Mason'](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b561537498.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
Abelia × grandiflora 'Francis Mason', commonly known as Glossy Abelia, is a striking ornamental shrub that is appreciated for its colorful foliage and lovely flowers. It showcases a mix of green and yellow foliage - the leaves have a golden-yellow hue, especially around the edges, which can turn more golden-orange in colder weather, creating a variegated effect. Each leaf is glossy and ovate with slightly serrated margins, adding a bright, cheerful look to the garden throughout the year. The plant becomes even more stunning when it starts flowering, typically in the summer through to fall. The flowers are small and tubular, with a delicate pale pink or white hue. They grow in clusters at the tips of the branches, creating a profuse display that can cover the shrub. These blossoms are not only visually appealing but are also a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding a dynamic element to the garden. Furthermore, the Glossy Abelia has gracefully arching branches that give it a relaxed, spreading look. The overall appearance of the plant is enhanced by its semi-evergreen nature, providing interest even in the chillier months when many other plants have lost their leaves. With its variegated leaves and soft, romantic blooms, the Glossy Abelia 'Francis Mason' is truly a delightful choice for those seeking a splash of color and elegance in their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
Names
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Synonyms
Glossy Abelia, Francis Mason Abelia
Common names
Abelia × grandiflora 'Francis Mason'.
Toxicity
To humans
Glossy Abelia is generally considered non-toxic to humans, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from consuming this plant. However, it is advisable to avoid eating any part of ornamental plants due to potential individual allergic reactions or unknowns in plant cultivars.
To pets
Glossy Abelia is also generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There should be no major concern if a pet occasionally chews on the leaves or stems, as there are no significant toxic effects expected from this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption in large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6-9
Native area
China Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Abelia 'Francis Mason' boasts attractive variegated foliage and numerous small, fragrant, and usually pink or white flowers, offering aesthetic enhancement to gardens.
- Wildlife Attraction: The plant is known to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Abelia 'Francis Mason' can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for gardens in dryer climates.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides year-round interest due to its semi-evergreen nature and changing leaf color in fall.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once it is established, making it an ideal plant for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Versatility: Can be used in various landscapes as a foundation plant, hedge, or component of mixed borders.
- Hardiness: It is generally resilient to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Privacy: When planted in a row, it can form a dense hedge, offering privacy and acting as a windscreen.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Glossy Abelia can be used to create a natural fence or privacy screen in gardens due to its dense foliage.
- Its branches may be used in floral arrangements, providing a long-lasting green backdrop for colorful flowers.
- It serves as an excellent host plant for butterflies, providing a food source for their larvae.
- Due to its attractive and varied leaf colors, it can be used in educational settings to teach about variegation in plants.
- Glossy Abelia is sometimes used in landscape photography to add depth and texture to garden scenes.
- Its durable wood can be utilized in small woodworking projects like making decorative stakes for other plants.
- In garden design, it can be used to create patterns or borders due to its consistent growth habit.
- It serves as a useful tool in erosion control on slopes due to its robust root system.
- When pruned into shape, Glossy Abelia can be used as a natural, living sculpture or topiary.
- Its aromatic leaves can be used to add a pleasant scent to outdoor sitting areas when planted strategically.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Glossy Abelia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Glossy Abelia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Adaptability - Abelia × grandiflora 'Francis Mason', commonly known as Glossy Abelia, is known for its ability to adapt to various soil conditions and tolerate different climates, symbolizing the ability to thrive in changing environments.
- Renewal - The shrub exhibits vigorous growth and regenerates quickly if damaged, representing the concept of renewal and the cyclic nature of life.
- Grace - With its arching branches and delicate flowers, Glossy Abelia is often associated with grace and beauty, embodying a sense of elegance and charm.
- Perseverance - The Glossy Abelia is a hardy plant that does not easily succumb to pests or diseases, representing strength and the ability to persist through adversity.
Water
For the Glossy Abelia 'Francis Mason', early morning is the best time for watering to allow the foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of disease. Water this shrub deeply and thoroughly once a week, giving it about one gallon of water per session for every six square feet of soil, which allows the water to reach the deep roots. During the hot summer months or in exceptionally dry conditions, increase the frequency to twice a week. Taper off watering in the fall to prepare the plant for winter. Consistent watering is key, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid waterlogging.
Light
Glossy Abelia 'Francis Mason' thrives in a location where it can receive full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would provide at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, but the plant can also perform well with a few hours of shade. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to reduced flowering and a leggy growth habit.
Temperature
The Glossy Abelia 'Francis Mason' prefers a temperate climate and is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9, enduring temperatures as low as -10°F and withstanding heat up to 90°F. Ideal growing temperatures for this plant range between 65°F and 80°F, providing a balance that encourages healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Pruning
Prune Glossy Abelia 'Francis Mason' to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth primarily in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. You can also prune lightly throughout the year to remove dead or crossing branches and to shape the plant to your liking. The best time for a more significant pruning is after the shrub has finished flowering, which is typically in late summer or early fall.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for the Glossy Abelia should be rich, well-draining, and have a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite to enhance drainage would be ideal for this shrub.
Repotting
Glossy Abelia typically does not require frequent repotting and can often thrive in the same pot for several years. It should be repotted when it becomes root-bound or the soil is depleted, typically every 2 to 3 years.
Humidity & Misting
Glossy Abelia is quite adaptable but prefers average humidity levels. It does not have specific high humidity requirements and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, in well-draining fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycle
Abelia × grandiflora 'Francis Mason' commonly known as Glossy Abelia, begins its lifecycle with seed germination, although it's more commonly propagated via cuttings for cultivar consistency. Once established, the young plant enters a vigorous vegetative growth phase where it develops a dense, bushy habit with variegated leaves, typically emerging in spring. As it matures into the flowering stage, usually by early summer, it produces fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that attract pollinators and may continue flowering into the fall. After the flowering period, if pollination occurs, it develops small, inconsequential fruits with seeds that are rarely viable. In winter, the plant may partially lose its leaves, depending on the climate, entering a dormant phase where growth slows significantly. With the return of warmer spring temperatures, Glossy Abelia resumes its active growth and re-enters the vegetative phase, thus completing its annual cycle.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Abelia x grandiflora 'Francis Mason', commonly known as Glossy Abelia, is most effectively propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in the late summer. Cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) are often taken from the current year's growth, making sure they include several leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Afterwards, the cuttings are placed in a well-draining rooting medium such as a mix of peat and perlite. They are kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks to a few months. Once established, the rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or their final location in the garden.