Glossy Abelia Abelia × grandiflora 'Francis Mason' (v)

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.