"Semi-evergreen" basically means that it may or may not
stay evergreen depending on the severity of the winter
and/or it's access to nutrients/water during the season.
Looking at my Abelia grandiflora just outside the window
here, it is essentially "nude" (a few brown, shriveled
leaves remaining), but then, we had a particularly intense
(freeze/thaw) winter, so I am not surprised. The shrub,
however, is fully hardy in Zone 6, and will be fully
leafed-out by May and soon thereafter dripping with small, fragrant blooms for most of the summer. It's one of my
favorite shrubs for tough spots - it will bloom and thrive
in partial shade, and actually survive in FULL shade! -
but it would not be a wise choice if you want truly evergreen. The straight Abelia x grandiflora can get quite
large (8' or more) in a sunny spot, but is absolutely
prunable - and really should be. . .many of the cultivars
are much more modest in height, but not as adaptable to
shade. Off the top of my head, I know of at least 7 nurseries in NJ that carry Abelia, and there are dozens more throughout
the state - when shopping for shrubs, I would suggest that HD and Lowe's are not the best place to start (although I DO get shrubs there at the end of the season sell-offs!) You are simply NOT saving money by buying there, and the quality and choice is severely limited. . . Carl |
Here is a link that might be useful: Missouri Botanical Garden / Plantfinder
