Funshine® Abelia

Abelia x grandiflora 'Minacara1'

Proven Winners®

Funshine Abelia Dazzles with Marmalade Orange Foliage and Lavender Trumpet Flowers
Thrives in Zones 6-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant
Sweetly Fragrant Flowers

$26¹⁴

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the most vibrant golden foliage, plant in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct light daily. While it handles partial shade, the purple new growth will be less intense and the overall leaf color will lean more toward a lime green.
Soil: This shrub prefers well drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay that stays wet, mix in some compost or plant it in a slightly raised mound to keep the roots from getting "cold feet."

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Abelia deeply twice a week to help the root system reach deep into the soil. Once established, this plant is remarkably drought tolerant and only needs supplemental water during long dry spells. If it goes too long without moisture, you might notice the leaves drooping or a reduction in summer blooms.

Pruning Tips

Funshine® Abelia blooms on new wood, so the best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before new growth starts. Think of it like a spring haircut; you can shear it to maintain a tidy shape or cut back older stems to the ground to encourage fresh, colorful shoots. Annual pruning helps prevent the center of the bush from becoming thin and woody over time.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the new leaves begin to emerge. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this can stimulate soft new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season "growth spurt" is easily damaged by freezing temperatures, which can stress the entire plant.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Crazy with color! Like a State Fair funhouse, the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Funshine® Abelia PP#30,430 (Abelia x grandiflora 'Minacara1') radiates color and excitement! Marmalade orange, caramel, and lavender … your garden won't know what hit it!

This mid-sized shrub is hardy, semi-evergreen, and easy to grow. Not needing much of your time on maintenance, but that doesn't mean it won't get a lot of attention! It's small enough to put into just about any garden and big enough to make a great visual impact. The color show will turn heads no matter how big or small this shrub is!

The unique orange-bronze leaves make the lavender, trumpet-shaped flowers pop! Both for you and for the Hummingbirds and pollinators who can't resist it. The lightly fragrant flowers will cover the branches all summer long. You'll want to put this where you can enjoy them.

Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 6 to 9, Funshine® grows just 2-3 feet tall and wide, Funshine® can be broadleaf evergreen in frost-free zones, or semi-evergreen in cooler growing zones.

Landscape Application:

These ornamental specimens work into any garden bed or border and are an excellent foundation plant. It looks especially nice with lavender foliage shrubs, and other colorful shrubs like Ninebark bushes, Spirea, and Bush Honeysuckle! They of course look great with other Abelia!

Funshine® is a must for any garden, but especially one that needs a shot of reliable color or one that wants to add the buzz and hum of pollinators! This is a great addition to your home foundation planting, to enliven the front of the garden border or a tired evergreen hedge.

Go ahead and pot up in a planter or urn on porches and patios in the sun! These colorful accents are must-haves for Pollinator gardens, Rock Gardens, and Cottage borders.

Exciting Bronzy, Orange, Caramel & Lavender Hued Variegation
Spring Til Fall Pinkish-Lavender Fragrant Blooms
Pollinator-Friendly Pendulous Flowers
Semi-To-Fully Evergreen Ornamentals
Low Hedges, Facer Plants & Edging, Showy Specimens & Containers

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Plant this Abelia in full sun or some partial shade in about any kind of well-drained soil location. Only needing moderate moisture their first year in the ground, Abelia become water-wise and very easy to grow! Funshine® doesn't mind clay soil and handles challenging sites well.

Apply a three-inch layer of mulch over the root system, but pull it back six inches from the stems, and reapply as needed. Abelia doesn't require a lot of pruning, shearing, or fussing. It is very content to grow where you plant it without a lot of attention!

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs
Any Well-Drained Soil
Prune Late Winter
Low-Maintenance & Deer Resistant

Don't wait to order this carnival of color! Get your own Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Funshine® Abelia bushes at NatureHills.com and bring the fun into your landscape!

Botanical Name

Abelia x grandiflora 'Minacara1'
Class

Magnoliopsida
Species

x grandiflora
Cultivar

Minacara1
Growing Zones

6-9
Height

2-3 ft
Width

2-3 ft
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate

Medium
Flower Color

Pink, Purple
Leaf Color

Yellow, Green, Purple
Fall Color

Orange
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Summer, Late Summer, Late Spring, Early Fall, Late Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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On all orders over $199
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Growing Zones 6-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and width of Funshine® Abelia?

Funshine® Abelia reaches a compact 2-3 feet tall and wide at maturity. This makes it perfect for small gardens, foundation plantings, or container growing. Its manageable size means it works well in tight spaces while still providing significant visual impact with its colorful foliage and fragrant blooms.

Is Funshine® Abelia deer resistant?

Funshine® Abelia offers moderate deer resistance, as deer typically avoid its fragrant foliage and flowers. While not completely deer-proof, this 2-3 foot shrub is less likely to be browsed than many other plants. For best results in deer-heavy areas, plant near more deer-resistant companions available at naturehills.com.

How much water does Funshine® Abelia need after it's established?

Once established, Funshine® Abelia is quite drought tolerant and needs only occasional deep watering during dry spells. In zones 6-9, water weekly during hot summer months when rainfall is less than an inch. Allow soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot.

Does Funshine® Abelia require pruning, and when?

Funshine® Abelia requires minimal pruning due to its naturally compact 2-3 foot size. If needed, prune lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and shape as desired to maintain its ornamental appeal.

What color are the flowers on Funshine® Abelia, and when do they bloom?

The Funshine® Abelia produces pinkish-lavender, trumpet-shaped flowers that are lightly fragrant and bloom all summer long. These pollinator-friendly blooms create a stunning contrast against the unique orange-bronze foliage. Plant yours where you can enjoy the fragrant flowers up close - available at naturehills.com.

Is Funshine® Abelia evergreen or semi-evergreen in my zone?

Funshine® Abelia is broadleaf evergreen in frost-free zones but semi-evergreen in zones 6-8. In cooler areas within its 6-9 hardiness range, expect some leaf drop in winter. Check your local winter temperatures to determine which category your garden falls into.

Will Funshine® Abelia tolerate clay soil or poor drainage?

Funshine® Abelia prefers well-draining soil and may struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged conditions. Like most Abelia varieties, it performs best in soil that doesn't stay consistently wet. Improve clay soil by adding compost or plant in a raised bed for better drainage.

How is Funshine® Abelia shipped, bare root or potted?

Funshine® Abelia is shipped as a potted plant, not bare root. This ensures the roots stay protected and the plant can be planted throughout the growing season. Plant your potted Abelia in zones 6-9 where it will reach 2-3 feet tall and wide.