Name: Abelia x 'Edward Goucher'

Average Landscape Size: 4–6 ft tall × 5 ft wide; graceful arching habit.

Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; handles afternoon Texas sun well.

Water Needs: Moderate; water regularly during Houston summer dry spells.

Deer Resistance: High.

Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9; evergreen in the Houston area.

Fertilization & Pruning: Apply balanced fertilizer in spring; prune in late winter for shape.

Detailed Description: 'Edward Goucher' is a premier choice for Houston area landscapes because it combines year-round evergreen structure with an exceptionally long blooming season. From early summer until the first frost, this hardy shrub is covered in clusters of bell-shaped, lilac-pink flowers that serve as a primary nectar source for local butterflies and hummingbirds. The foliage is equally impressive, maturing to a glossy dark green that holds up beautifully against our intense Gulf Coast humidity. This variety is incredibly tough and adapts well to our heavy clay soils, making it a reliable performer for privacy hedges, foundation plantings, or as a graceful filler in a mixed perennial border.