Abelia 'EDWARD GOUCHER' Edward Goucher pink abelia

Abelias belong to the most popular flowering shrubs of dwarf to small sizes, mainly thanks to its long flowering period: June-October. Variety Edward Goucher was introduced by a botanist of the same name in the USA in 1911 as a cross between abelia x grandiflora and abelia schumannii.

This elegant shrub has 2-3 cm long, pointed, very glossy, semi-evergreen, dark green leaves that turn burgundy red in the winter. The flowers are tiny, but numerous, funnel-shaped, bright pink to lilac. In warmer climates this shrub is very vigorous and can reach as much as 1.5m. If you buy a small plant it will readily spread to sides and its height will not exceed some 50 cm. But if you buy a taller specimen you can enjoy a shrub reaching about 1m. In such case we suggest covering the plant with white woven for the coldest days should a harsh winter come.

In old encyclopedias you can find low resistance to frost in our country. However, we tried all abelias we offer and can confirm they not only survive but live happily and flower even after a cruel winter. Just cut off long, last year’s branches, damaged by frost. Abelia flowers on new wood so spring pruning every year will do it good and encourage new and denser growth. Soil adaptable. Hardy to -24°C, or -27°C (USDA zone 5b) with protection.

Last update 08-01-2009