Poco Loco Abelia

POCO LOCO® abelia is a compact, rounded shrub with yellow-orange spring foliage, green leaves accented by pink-red new growth, and fragrant light-pink summer flowers. At roughly 2–3 feet tall and wide, it suits the front of mixed borders, low informal hedges, edging, and containers. ## Landscape character The dense, freely branching mound keeps a tidy outline while adding foliage color before and during bloom. Spring leaves emerge yellow and orange; mature leaves become green, while fresh growth brings pink-red tones. Clusters of lightly fragrant flowers appear in summer. The breeder’s profile describes the plant as semi-evergreen, so foliage retention varies with winter conditions. It can be used as a small specimen or repeated along a border where its modest size will not overwhelm nearby perennials. ## Growing conditions Grow in USDA Zones 6–9 in full sun or part sun. Sunlight supports stronger foliage color and flowering; deeper shade can mute both. Average, well-drained soil is suitable, and the shrub tolerates alkaline or clay soils according to the brand listing. Water needs are average. Established plants tolerate some drought, but prolonged stress can reduce flowering and fade foliage color. Its breeder and brand list heat tolerance. It blooms on new wood; the patent reports flowering from July through September in Michigan, while local timing will vary. ## Breeder, brand, and patent ‘SMNAGBT’ is the cultivar name; POCO LOCO® is the Proven Winners ColorChoice brand name. Megan Mathey selected the plant through Spring Meadow Nursery’s breeding program. U.S. Plant Patent **PP35,980** was granted July 9, 2024. Retail descriptions call the flowers pink; the patent’s botanical description records pale, near-white petals with a light-purple tint and throat. See the [Spring Meadow breeder profile](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/poco-loco-abelia-03980), [Proven Winners ColorChoice profile](https://www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/product/poco-loco-abelia/), and [U.S. plant patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP35980P2/en). ## Maintenance This is a low-maintenance shrub that usually needs no pruning. If shaping is needed, prune in late winter or early spring. Summer trimming removes developing flowers, though the breeder notes it can encourage fresh colorful growth. Water consistently while establishing, then provide supplemental irrigation during extended dry periods; mulch can help maintain soil moisture.