When grown in full sunlight the semi45evergreen leaves of abelia x grandiflora 39francis mason39 themselves take on a sunny tint this yellow45green foliage is glossy and attractive making a splendid feature in a border alternatively the hardy shrub can be used for informal hedging from july until mid45autumn the golden leaves are complemented by pale pink tubular flowers which emanate a delicious honey smell this variety of glossy abelia is thus a great choice for cotta