A golden-leaved abelia with yellow-margined foliage flushing orange in cold, topped by pink-white bells through the warmer months. Brings warm colour to hedges and borders.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1.5 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Francis Mason Abelia
Abelia x grandiflora 'Francis Mason' is a moderate-growing shrub in the Caprifoliaceae family. It reaches around 1.5 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen, golden and variegated foliage. White and pink flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Francis Mason Abelia
Francis Mason Abelia suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Francis Mason Abelia does best in free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Francis Mason Abelia is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Francis Mason Abelia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Francis Mason Abelia in the garden
Francis Mason Abelia earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, feeding bees and pollinators and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Francis Mason Abelia with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Francis Mason Abelia
Plant Sale lists Francis Mason Abelia as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.