Twist of Lime™ Variegated Abelia Dances through the Landscape

       Abelia hybrids are rounded, spreading, multi-stemmed shrubs in the honeysuckle family. They typically grow on gracefully arching branches to a mature height of 4 - 5 feet, most reliably in the warm winter climates of the South (USDA Zones 6 - 10). They are extra special because after the long-blooming flowers are past, persistent sepals add interest for months longer. 

      A new introduction by Garden Debut, Twist of Lime™ Variegated Abelia is a high-accent, low maintenance selection for the border or large containers. An outstanding choice, this pretty summer cooler is a compact, evergreen shrub with glossy variegated leaves that bring added value to the garden. the leaves are bright yellow with green centers when young, maturing later in the season to a rich ivory and green. 

      Another plus, Twist of Lime™ Abelia produces a heavy bloom of fragrant white-tinged-pink clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers (to 5/8 inch long) which appear over a long and continuous period from late spring to fall and are attractive to pollinators and hummingbirds. Dusty pink “ruffs” of sepals last even longer, after the petals are gone.

     Twist of Lime™'s botanical name is Abelia x grandiflora ‘Gretol’. It has no serious insect or disease problems and is useful as a specimen or grouped in shrub borders or foundations. It is also effective when massed as a shrubby ground cover, particularly on slopes or banks where plants also can provide erosion control. Twist of Lime™ Abelia may be used as a low, informal hedge in southern areas where winter die-back is not a concern, although plants lose their attractive graceful shape if pruned or sheared. Twist of Lime™ is also a creative choice for permanent containers on terraces and balconies. 

Look for this new Abelia in garden centers this spring in the Garden Debut pot.