Pinky Bells Abelia

Pinky Bells® is a compact abelia selected for oversized, drooping bell-shaped flowers in lavender-pink and purple tones. A dense mound about 2–3 ft tall and 3–4 ft wide, it brings a long summer-to-frost bloom display to sunny borders and edges. ## Landscape character The cultivar ‘Lynn’ has a tight, low mound with freely branching stems. Glossy green leaves form a backdrop for especially large, pendant flowers; new foliage and stems develop red hues in late spring and autumn. The breeder describes it as semi-evergreen, so leaves may persist in mild winters and drop in colder weather. Flower color is described as pink or purple by the nursery and brand, while the patent records purple-and-white petals that fade toward pale pink-white margins. This seasonal display suits the front of shrub or perennial borders, bed edges, and corners where the blooms can be seen close up. The listed mature spread is wider than the height, so allow room for a rounded, outward-growing form. ## Growing conditions Grow in USDA Zones 6–9, in full sun or part sun. Spring Meadow recommends a protected site in colder areas. The nursery says abelia tolerates a range of soils and periods of dry soil, while best growth comes in moist, well-drained ground; average moisture is a sensible landscape target after establishment. The breeder lists heat tolerance. The patent reports good garden performance across a broad range of temperatures, but does not establish resistance to specific pests or diseases. The nursery lists bloom from summer through frost; the patent describes a spring-to-fall flowering period in Michigan, so timing depends on local climate. ## Breeder, brand, and patent Tim Wood bred ‘Lynn’ at Spring Meadow Nursery, and Pinky Bells® was marketed through Proven Winners ColorChoice. U.S. Plant Patent **PP20,604** was granted December 22, 2009. Spring Meadow now marks its cultivar page as a reference listing and says it no longer offers the variety directly. See the [Spring Meadow profile](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/pinky-bells-00620), [Proven Winners brand sheet](https://www.provenwinners.com/sites/provenwinners.com/files/pdf/sell-sheets/00622_pinky_bells_prodsheet1.pdf), and [U.S. plant patent](https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/93/48/4c/5e1309d4f7825a/USPP20604.pdf). ## Maintenance Pinky Bells is low maintenance and needs little or no pruning to keep its naturally dense shape. If it needs shaping, prune in early spring. Water during establishment and extended dry spells; mulch can help keep the root zone evenly moist. The related glossy abelia hybrid flowers on new wood, so light shaping in late winter or early spring protects the coming bloom ([NC State Extension care guide](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/abelia-x-grandiflora/common-name/glossy-abelia/)). Avoid routine shearing that would remove new growth carrying the next flush of flowers.