Question
QUESTION: Hi Tom.

I wasn't sure who to direct this question to.  The shrub section has no expert in it right now.  However, I know you are familiar with Kansas, so I thought you might be the best person to ask.  I am considering planting some Rose Creek Abelias (Abelia X grandiflora 'Rose Creek'), along the foundation of the North side of my house.  The soil gets good drainage over there and that side of the house gets sunlight until about 11:00 A.M. then it is shady until about 6:00 P.M. when it gets one or two more hours of sunlight during the summer months.  Do you have any experience with this shrub?  I read that it is hardy through zone 6.  Do you think it will do well in zone 6a on the North side of a structure?  Please let me know what you think.  

Thanks,
Tim

ANSWER: Hi Tim,
Thanx for your question.  If I remember correctly, you are in South Central Kansas.  I think you shouldn't have any problems with this shrub in fact, it will benefit from afternoon shade.  I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: You have a good memory.  Yes, I am in SC Kansas.  I just have one more question about the Rose Creek Abelia shrub.  Just about everyone I have talked to before coming to you says that the Rose Creek Abelia does best in full sun.  However, Rose Creek is not a normal abelia, which does need full sun.  Rose Creek is a hybrid, Abelia X grandiflora 'Rose Creek'.  In your observations or experience, does the Rose Creek Abelia look better in full sun or partial shade in SC Kansas?

Answer
Hi Tim,
Thanx for the followup.  I've not had any direct experience with this shrub so I can only tell you what my research says.  Sooner Farms indicates that the shrub does best in your climate with morning sun and afternoon shade.  The shrub is also used for understory planting, meaning it tolerates some shade.  I think given how hot south central Kansas can get (even up here is gets notoriously hot...) the afternoon shade is going to be very beneficial for growing this shrub in your location.  I hope this helps.  Another thing I would do is contact Sedgwick County Master Gardeners:

Sedgwick County Extension          

Education Center

7001 W 21st Street North

Wichita,  KS  67205-1759  

Angie Norris

Master Gardener Coordinator

316-660-0138

         
I will bet they have a horticulturalist or master gardener who has experience or knows of others growing this shrub in your region.  I hope this helps.
Tom