After a long wait, I finally decided to plant one Glossy Abelia Rose Creek shrub in my front yard’s landscaping.
As things go, one day, I was out having coffee at a shopping center when I noticed this plant in the landscape. Wow, I thought this flowering plant would look great in my yard. In fact, I had no idea of the name of this shrub. So, I contacted David from one of my favorite gardening centers and emailed him a photo. He identified the plant as a Glossy Abelia shrub. Apparently, there are many varieties of this plant but two of the more compact plants are “Rose Creek” and “Radiance”. The plants are very heat and drought tolerance, but they need regular watering the first year to establish the roots. They, also, need occasional pruning to maintain their shape and size. Thanks David!
Abelia Rose Creek Information
By reading the signs at the garden center, I guess the official name of the plant is Glossy Abelia X Grandifora Rose Creek and was priced at $49.99. The shrub grows 3 feet high with a spread of 4 feet. The tag on the plant said it grows 2 feet by 3 feet; so, I guess it is somewhere in-between those two averages. It is an evergreen plant with a dense compact form. The leaves are slightly purple-green in winter. Seasonally, it has fragrant flowers from the month of May until frost. The flowers on this plant attract butterflies. It likes full sun and good drainage.
Planting the Glossy Abelia Rose Creek Shrub
Because the plant likes full sun, I know I have the right location. When I got the plant home from the garden center, I first placed it in the location I wanted it in and took a good look at it. Yes, to my eyes, that location looks pretty good. The only thing is that I don’t want it growing on the sidewalk. So, when the hole was dug, it was slightly away from the sidewalk.
I guess I am a little concerned about the soil and drainage since we tend to have prominent red clay in it.
The Glossy Abelia Rose Creek shrub went into the hole, and we filled it with dirt. Then we added some mulch to the topsoil. Lastly, the new shrub was giving a good watering.
Dividing the Thrif Plants
After the shrub was planted, there was yet one more garden chore to do. I wanted to divide up the three Thrift plants.
Using a shovel was too awkward for the small plant. Instead, we used a garden knife to cut the plants into two. The divided sections were then replanted. Mulch was also tossed over this area.
Lastly, the new shrub and the divided Thrift plants were given a good watering.
Ending Gardening Notes
Now to keep the new shrub watered and see how it does over the winter months. However, I find fall to be a good time around my area of the county to add new plants. In the spring I might add one more Abelia Rose Creek but let’s see how this one does first.
Happy New Plantings Everyone!