Abelia × grandiflora ‘Milky Way’ (PP 35,470)

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Abelia × grandiflora ‘Milky Way’ (PP 35,470) was discovered by Mark among ‘Little Richard’ plants before the new company was initiated in 2020. One of the few, perhaps only variegated foliage abelia, that does not develop long whippy shoots. Leaves have glossy dark green centers and glistening white margins, turning pink rose in cold weather. Flowers are fragrant, white, the sepals white and produced in great quantities above the dense foliage. Perfectly restrained, low spreading outline, 11/2 to 2’ high and 2 to 3’ wide. Expresses its distinctive traits in containers, mixed shrub and perennial borders, and groupings. Foliage persists through winter, the emerging leaves evident in March. Excellent pollinator plant, especially attractive to butterflies. Flowers on new growth and can be pruned in late winter-early spring with flowers appearing in May-June. Deer resistant. Zone 6 to 9.

Abelia × grandiflora ‘Cherry Creek’ (PPAF) is a compact seedling derived from ‘Rose Creek’. The new growth is red, gradually maturing to green. Flowers are lavender/pink, the sepals mauve, remaining effective into mid fall. Estimated size is 1 1/2 to 2 1/2’ high with equal spread. This introduction carries the same potent flowering genes as “Rose Creek’ but with rich red tinted foliage and deep pink flower/sepal color. Similar landscape use as ‘Milky Way’. Deer resistant. Zone 6 to 9.