Brilliantina® Abelia

Abelia × grandiflora 'Brilliantina'

Thrives in USDA planting zones 6-9, providing three seasons of vibrant interest.
Features stunning variegated yellow and green foliage that maintains a naturally tidy, mounded habit.
Produces highly fragrant, light pink fluted flowers that are a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Exceptionally heat tolerant and deer resistant, reaching a mature size of 3-4 feet tall and up to 5 feet wide.

$26⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Drought resistant, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Compact/Dwarf, Evergreen, Heat Tolerant, Fragrant, Attracts pollinators, and Fast-growing

Specifications

Botanical Name

Abelia × grandiflora 'Brilliantina'
Height

3-4 ft
Width

3-5 ft
Growing Zones

6-9
Sunlight
- Full sun
Growth Rate

Fast
Flower Color
- White
- Pink
Leaf Color
- Variegated
- Green
- Yellow
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Summer, Late Summer
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in full sun for at least 6 hours to achieve the most vibrant yellow leaf margins and the heaviest bloom production. While it tolerates partial shade, the variegation will be less intense and the plant may develop a more open, leggy habit.
Soil: Choose a spot with well-drained soil, as this shrub does not like "wet feet" or standing water. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in some organic compost at planting time to improve the soil structure and ensure better drainage.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Abelia deeply twice a week to help the roots establish a firm foothold in your landscape. Once mature, this variety is quite drought resistant and can typically rely on natural rainfall except during extreme heat waves. Inconsistent moisture during the establishment phase can cause the plant to drop its inner leaves or produce fewer fluted flowers.

Pruning Tips

Because Brilliantina blooms on new wood, the best time to prune is in early spring just as you see new growth starting to emerge. Think of this like a refreshing spring haircut; a light trim maintains a tight, mounded shape and encourages the plant to produce the fresh stems that carry the summer blooms. For younger plants, trimming back the tips a few times in the first year helps create a much denser and more attractive foundation.

Fertilizer Needs

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to provide a steady "multivitamin" for the upcoming growing season. Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer, as this stimulates soft new growth that will not have enough time to toughen up before winter. This tender growth is very susceptible to frost damage, which can lead to unsightly dieback when the temperatures drop.

The Brilliantina® Abelia (Abelia × grandiflora 'KEYFLY') is a masterclass in garden performance, offering a more disciplined and tidy habit than older cultivars. Also widely known as Variegated Glossy Abelia, this Proven Winners® selection is celebrated for its multi-colored personality. The foliage is a bright tapestry of green centers with wide, sunny yellow margins that stay vibrant from spring through fall. From late spring until the first frost, the shrub is adorned with masses of light pink, fluted flowers that release a soft, honey-like fragrance into the air.

A Pollinator Magnet for the Mid-Border

What sets Brilliantina® apart is its unique "midsize" stature. Reaching up to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide, it fits perfectly into the middle of your garden borders, providing a lush, colorful backdrop for perennials without becoming overgrown. The delicate pink blooms are specifically shaped to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, turning your landscape into a buzzing sanctuary of activity. Because it is highly deer resistant and heat tolerant, it remains a reliable "set it and forget it" shrub for busy homeowners.

Versatile Landscape Solutions

Whether you are looking to create a low, colorful hedge or a striking specimen plant, Brilliantina® Abelia delivers. Its fast growth rate allows it to fill in quickly, making it an excellent choice for mass plantings or foundation groupings. It also functions beautifully as a "filler" in large patio containers, where its variegated leaves and sweet scent can be enjoyed at close range. With its evergreen nature in warmer climates and its ability to withstand the summer heat, this Abelia is a glowing addition to any sun-drenched landscape.

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Growing Zones 6-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brilliantina Abelia fast-growing?

Yes! This variety has a fast growth rate. For the best habit, it is recommended to trim the plant back a few times during its first year in the ground to encourage dense branching.

What color are the flowers on Brilliantina Abelia?

Unlike some Abelias with white flowers, Brilliantina produces beautiful fluted blossoms in a delicate shade of light pink held on darker pink bracts.

Does Brilliantina Abelia attract hummingbirds?

Yes. The tubular, fluted shape of the flowers and their sweet fragrance make them a primary target for hummingbirds and various butterfly species.

When should I prune my Brilliantina Abelia?

Since this shrub blooms on "new wood," the best time to prune is in the early spring just as new growth begins. You can also lightly trim it in summer, though this may temporarily remove some of the ongoing blooms.

Is this plant deer resistant?

Yes, Abelia is known for being unpalatable to deer, making Brilliantina an excellent choice for landscapes where deer browsing is a common issue.

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

Brilliantina® Abelia

Plant Sentry™

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Specifications