ABELIA X GRANDIFLORA

These are evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs, depending on the harshness of the climate, native to Asia and Mexico. They are appreciated above all for their decorative foliage and for the abundant flowering, which appears on the young shoots with a purplish red color. Flowering begins in June and continues without interruption until the end of October. The flowers, tubular or funnel-shaped, are small in size but gathered in showy inflorescences that grow in the axils of the leaves. The purple calyxes persist on the branches even after the end of flowering, contributing to the ornamental effect. Abelias adapt well to common soils as long as they are not too dry, tolerate pruning without problems and are not subject to diseases or parasites. Planting is recommended in the periods of September-October or March-April, preferably in sunny areas, well sheltered from the wind. They are perfect for borders, and in places where frosts are frequent, it is preferable to grow them near a wall exposed to the sun. Thanks to pruning, these plants become thicker and become ideal for creating hedges. Although constant pruning is not necessary, it is useful to thin out the branches after flowering to stimulate the development of new shoots.