Abelia x grandiflora 'Radiance'
A vigorous, easy-care evergreen shrub prized for its year-round color and neat, compact form. Vivid red stems add great contrast to the crisp green and soft yellow new foliage, which ages to silvery-green edged with cream. Radiance Abelia is a standout hybrid variety within the "glossy abelia" group, offering multi-colored, variegated foliage year-round.
Flowers: Fragrant white flowers appear from mid-summer to fall.
Size & Habit: Grows to about 3 feet tall with a spread of around 5 feet, filling out right to the ground with a mounded, multi-stemmed form. It grows at a slow rate and, under ideal conditions, can live for approximately 30 years.
Growing Conditions: Does best in full sun to partial shade, average to evenly moist conditions (won't tolerate standing water), and isn't particular about soil type or pH. It's adaptable to a wide range of soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils, preferring well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It's hardy in USDA zones 6–9.
Wildlife & Maintenance: A good choice for attracting birds, bees, and butterflies, while being largely ignored by deer. It's generally resistant to pests and disease, though aphids or scale may occasionally appear and can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
Uses: Naturally compact, making it perfect as an accent plant, low hedge, or container feature.