Glossy abelia
A glossy-leaved hybrid ornamental shrub; its small scented flowers open from June to late October and extend late-summer forage.
- Nectar
- Medium
- Pollen
- Low
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 1-2 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Glossy abelia is a semi-evergreen ornamental shrub with shiny leaves, raised by crossing two Chinese species. Its white to pinkish, funnel-shaped flowers are scented and are visited by honey bees, bumblebees and butterflies. Each flower holds little nectar, but because flowering lasts for months, the plant is useful in late summer and autumn.
Flowering
It starts in June and continues until the first frosts, often until the end of October. After the flowers drop, the pinkish sepals stay on the branches for a long time and keep the plant colourful.
Honey and pollen
It gives a small amount of pollen; there is no honey under its name.
Note for the beekeeper
It tolerates drought and pruning and is widely used as a hedge in city parks and along roadsides. In urban beekeeping it is a good choice for extending late-summer forage, but it does not produce a honey crop on its own. Although some botanists have moved the genus into Linnaea, the name Abelia remains in use in horticulture.