Abelia x grandiflora (Glossy Abelia)

A tall, semi-evergreen shrub with a long flowering period and a rounded form. Gets to around 3 metres tall and the same around the middle but will take its time in doing so: around 20 years. Formed from profuse, gracefully arching stems that are thickly dressed in yummy deep green leaves for most, if not all of the year: dense and glossy and polished. In bloom, the whole shrub looks like it’s sneezed pink-tinged sugar. Pure white trumpet-shaped flowers, while teeny, are abundant and often dusted with bright pink at the tips and the flowers also have pinky bracts at their base so from a distance the effect is two-tone and extremely pretty.

Ideal for a border where you need mid-height and year-round structure and interest and although not individually ‘architectural’ per se, the rounded form is pleasing and it will make a bold statement hedge or a charming way to flank a path. Perfect for a cottage style garden or courtyard area. This kind of sheltered spot is ideal actually because it needs a bit of protection through winter. We reckon it’s hardy down here in Sussex, in a sunny spot.