Abelia Grandiflora Confetti

Abelia grandiflora Confetti (Abelia Confetti) is a semi-evergreen low-growing shrub, flaunting a profuse display of scented blossoms and variegated foliage. The grandiflora varieties of Abelia are vigorous shrubs with arching branches and glossy green leaves. The Confetti Cultivar is a semi-evergreen dwarf variety with narrow, green foliage margined with creamy-white and flushed pink in spring. Slightly scented white flowers tinged pale pink appear in summer and autumn. It has a long flowering period.

Offering interest throughout the year, this Abelia grandiflora Confetti shrub has many attractive features. In some areas with milder climates, the variegated foliage will stay on the shrub during winter months, whereas in harsher conditions, the foliage drops with lower temperatures. The foliage is comprised of glossy, pointed, dark green leaves with creamy white margins. In summer and autumn, this ornamental shrub produces an impressive display of slightly fragrant, tubular, 5-petaled blossoms in white tinged with pale pink. With its spreading, bushy habit, this cultivar naturally forms a mounded shape as it matures.

Undemanding and adaptable, Abelia Confetti is easy to grow in most conditions. It will thrive in most soils, as long as they are moist and well-drained, and in full sun to partial shade. For best results, grow in loamy soil and near a south-facing wall, where the plant would be sheltered and the vivid colour of the foliage encouraged by sunlight. Considered pest and disease free.

With the ability to withstand temperatures as low as 15 degrees below zero, Abelia grandiflora Confetti is hardy in United Kingdom. Even though frost will not bother this cultivar, it should be sheltered from harsh, drying winds. When it comes to maintenance, this shrub need regular pruning to stay in shape. Remove dead or damaged branches and thin out congested stems after the flowering season ends. Every 3 to 4 years this shrub should be hard pruned to encourage new growth and more prolific flowering.

A dwarf variety, Abelia Confetti will stay compact even when it is fully mature. Over a period of 10 years, this shrub will achieve a maximum height of 50 centimetres to 1 metre and a maximum width of 1 to 1.5 metres.

Showy and highly-decorative, Abelia grandiflora Confetti is a great candidate for fronts of mixed shrub borders, where its variegated foliage and profuse spring bloom can be fully appreciated. As its compact size and adaptability allow it to be grown in larger pots, this flowering shrub is an excellent choice for adding interest to patios, balconies or rooftop gardens.