Abelia grandiflora Lady Liberty

Abelia grandiflora Lady Liberty

Abelia x grandiflora Lady Liberty is a unique semi-evergreen shrub that will add a touch of beauty to any garden. Its pink and yellow variegated foliage is eye-catching and the scented pink and white flowers that bloom in late summer are a delight for the senses. This shrub can easily be maintained to a height of 1.5m, but if left to grow, it can reach up to 2-3m in height. The variegated yellow margins with red tips in autumn make this shrub a standout in any landscape.

Not only is Abelia grandiflora Lady Liberty visually stunning, but it is also hardy and can withstand extreme temperatures. In colder climates, it may lose its leaves and behave more like a deciduous shrub, but it will bounce back once the weather warms up. This proven garden plant is a useful addition to any garden, and it works best in full sun to semi-shade and can tolerate most soil types.

• Height: Easily maintained to 1.5m, if left 2-3m 
• Spread: Easily maintained to 1.5m, if left 2-3m 
• Foliage Colour: Variegated yellow margins with red tips in autumn
• Flower Colour: Pink buds and white flowers
• Soil Type: Moist, well drained, sandy, loam, chalk
• Position: Full Sun - Semi Shade
• Hardiness: Fully Hardy once established, H5 (-10 to -15)
• Type: Semi Evergreen

Abelia is a large genus with over 25 species, all of which are shrubs that can be evergreen, deciduous, or semi-deciduous. Abelia x grandiflora, the parent of Lady Liberty, was first raised in Italy in the mid-1800s and is a cross between Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora. This new hybrid has become a staple in British gardens, and there are many cultivars and varieties that have been discovered from this original hybrid. These variations offer different attributes, such as variegated foliage, silver or golden foliage, stronger flower colours, and unique habits.

One such variety is Abelia 'Edward Goucher', a hybrid of Abelia x grandiflora and Abelia schumannii, which was raised in the United States in 1911. This variety has a dwarfed habit, darker leaves, and deep purple flowers, making it a standout in any garden.