A Brilliant Well-Behaved Shrub
Some abelias have the tendency to develop what are called “dog legs” or wild, random long shoots that give the plant an untidy look in the landscape, making pruning the shrub necessary to maintain its shape. But Brilliantina® abelia (Abelia x grandiflora) is different! This gorgeous abelia was developed specifically to keep its natural tidy habit without pruning, making it extremely low maintenance.
Brilliantina® abelia shines in the landscape with its green, yellow, and orange variegated foliage, and the dark red stems add a little something extra to the show. The vibrant foliage and intriguing stems are perfect for foliage filler in cut flower arrangements; ensure you are removing any of the foliage that will be below the water to extend its vase life. In summer, little fragrant white flowers cover this beautiful abelia, bringing in hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Brilliantina® is suited for USDA zone 6-9 and thrives in full to part sun. It can grow in full shade, but foliage color and flowering will not be its best without a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight. At 3-4’ tall and 3-5’ wide, this shrub can make an impact anywhere you choose to put it. It will tolerate some drought once established, but flowering and foliage color may be negatively affected by extended periods of stress.
Plant Panel
Our panel of plant experts is ready to tackle your tricky garden problems and recommend some plants that will thrive in your space and look fabulous doing it. Check out the latest episode of Plant Picks below, where Kristina, Natalie, and Stacey give some plant suggestions for John’s snowy USDA Zone 6 garden. And if you have a spot in your garden that you’re looking to fill or reimagine, send us some pictures and fill out the recommendations form on the Proven Winners ColorChoice website. Your garden may even be featured in a future Plant Picks episode!