Abelia grandiflora 'Sunrise', Sunrise Glossy Abelia
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Broadleaf Deciduous Shrubs

Abelia grandiflora 'Sunrise'

Sunrise Glossy Abelia

CaprifoliaceaeAsia (hybrid)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height2–3 feet (60–90 cm)
Width3–4 feet (90–120 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Hummingbirds
Fragrant (light)
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Abelia x grandiflora 'Sunrise' is a compact, mounding semi-evergreen shrub reaching 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) tall with a spread of 3–4 feet (90–120 cm). The typical Abelia x grandiflora reaches 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m); this cultivar is substantially smaller. Leaves are oval, 0.5–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) long, glossy, and borne in opposite pairs on arching stems. Foliage emerges bright golden-yellow in spring, transitions to chartreuse-yellow through summer, then develops orange-red tones in fall before dropping in zones 6–7 and persisting semi-evergreen in zones 8–9. Tubular flowers, white to pale pink and approximately 0.75 inch (2 cm) long, appear in terminal clusters from June through September. Pink-tinged persistent sepals remain on the plant after petals drop, extending into fall. In poorly drained soils, root rot may develop within 1–2 years. Reversion shoots with larger, darker green leaves and more vigorous upright growth occur periodically and, if not removed, will gradually displace the cultivar foliage characteristics. Growth rate produces a mature clump within 2–3 years of planting.

Native Range

Abelia x grandiflora is an artificial hybrid with no native range, created in Italian nurseries in the 19th century by crossing Abelia chinensis from eastern China with Abelia uniflora from central China. The 'Sunrise' cultivar was developed through subsequent horticultural selection. Neither the hybrid nor the cultivar occurs in wild populations.

Suggested Uses

Commonly used as a low informal hedge at 3-foot (90 cm) spacing and in mixed shrub or perennial borders. Suitable for containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) with good drainage; in zone 6, containers require winter protection. Foliage color diminishes significantly in deep shade, and flowering decreases in sites receiving fewer than 4 hours of direct sun daily.

How to Identify

Abelia x grandiflora 'Sunrise' is distinguished from other Abelia x grandiflora cultivars by uniformly golden-yellow foliage maintained throughout the growing season, rather than green or green-and-white variegated leaves. The mounding habit, 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) tall, is shorter than the species type by 2–3 feet (60–90 cm). Persistent pink-tinged sepals present on stems after flowering are characteristic of Abelia x grandiflora hybrids generally. Reversion shoots are identifiable by larger, darker green leaves and noticeably more vigorous, upright growth than the surrounding golden stems.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread3' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
pale pink

Foliage Colors

golden yellow
chartreuse
orange

Fall Foliage Colors

orange
red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~14 weeks
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Flowers from June through September in most zones, with some sporadic bloom extending into October in zones 8–9 and beginning in May in warmer climates. Individual flowers last 3–5 days; successive flowering extends total bloom 12–16 weeks. Bloom may diminish during periods of sustained temperatures above 95°F (35°C) and resume when temperatures decline.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white to pale pink

Foliage Description

golden-yellow in spring, chartreuse-yellow in summer, orange-red in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2–3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water weekly during the first growing season in the absence of rain. Established plants tolerate dry intervals of 7–10 days but flower production decreases during prolonged drought. In heavy clay or poorly drained soils, root rot may develop within 1–2 years; planting in amended or raised beds reduces this risk. Foliage color is most pronounced with 6 or more hours of direct sun daily; plants in afternoon shade in hot climates show acceptable color but less intensity. Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; excess nitrogen reduces foliage color intensity. Aphids may colonize new growth in spring; powdery mildew may develop in humid, low-air-circulation conditions and is cosmetic only.

Pruning

Prune in early spring before new growth, typically in March, removing any winter-damaged stems to ground level — expect 30–50% dieback in zone 6, minimal damage in zones 8–9. After the first flush of bloom in July, lightly shear to encourage additional flowering and maintain compact form. For overgrown plants, cut the entire shrub to 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in early spring; it will regrow to full size within one growing season with reduced flowering that year. Remove reversion shoots as they appear by cutting back to their point of origin.

Pruning Schedule

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early springsummer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic