Hello everyone! I’m Olivia Marzolf, and if you read last week’s blog, you know that Sam has handed over the Plant of the Week to me. I’m the Marketing Specialist and Event Coordinator at Spring Meadow Nursery. Although I’m relatively new to the gardening scene, I’m excited to continue highlighting the many wonderful Proven Winners® ColorChoice® plants, and I look forward to hearing some of your thoughts along the way. Let’s get started!
A Stunning Color Transformation for Your Garden
Here in West Michigan, we’re currently covered in snow. While the chilly weather makes spring seem far away, it’s a great time to plan the changes you’d like to make during the upcoming gardening season. And, if you’re looking for an eye-catching addition to your landscape with multi-season appeal, Poco Loco® abelia (Abelia x grandiflora) might be the perfect plant for you!
Poco Loco® abelia is a standout in any garden with its stunning color transformation throughout the growing season. Arriving in spring with its vibrant yellow and orange foliage, it provides a cheerful atmosphere against the backdrop of the emerging garden.
As the season progresses into summer, the foliage gradually shifts to green with pink-red new growth that adds a dynamic pop of color to the landscape. The summer foliage is complemented by fragrant pink blooms that attract the attention of hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Growing 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, its compact frame makes it a perfect fit for any size garden.
Once established, Poco Loco® abelia is an easy plant to care for, requiring minimal maintenance to keep its colorful appeal. Suited for USDA zones 6-9, it grows best in full sun to part sun. While it can grow in full shade, keep in mind that its foliage won’t be as vibrant, and there will be fewer blooms. Its neat, rounded habit means it rarely needs pruning, but if you’d like to shape it, it’s best to do so in late winter or early spring.
Design a Hummingbird Haven
When reading about Poco Loco® abelia, you might have been intrigued by its ability to attract hummingbirds. If you’re looking to build a garden that draws in these lovely birds, check out Kristina’s “Best Shrubs for Hummingbird Garden” blog. In it, she lists several other plants that can help you get started.
You can also check out the Shrubs for Pollinators page on the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® website for additional inspiration.