ACER palmatum 'Bloodgood'

Description: Common name: Glossy Abelia. A deservedly popular shrub with long lasting interest. This semi-evergreen shrub has arching stems clothed in dark green leaves and in later summer, soft pink and white flowers bloom over a long period. In addition, showy soft pink bracts add interest through to late autumn. Abelia is fairly slow growing and so is ideal for small gardens. Abelia grandiflora is a hybrid of two Chinese species, A. chinensis pollinated by A. uniflora

Climate/Position: Thrives in full sun but also suited to partial shade. Protect from cold winter winds

Height/Spread: Reaches 1.5 x 1.5 metres

Soil Requirements: Suitable for any soil type. Prefers moist, well- drained site but is tolerant of drought

Pruning: If pruning is required or to rejuvenate old plants and encourage flowering then cut out a number of the oldest twiggy shoots at ground level in spring. Tips of shoots may suffer die back in the coldest winters and therefore it may be desirable to trim these dead shoots back to growing points in late spring

Special Requirements: A sheltered site or wall protection is preferred in colder areas

Additional Interest: RHS AGM in 1993 for outstanding excellence