Brilliantina® Abelia

Abelia × grandiflora 'Brilliantina'

Proven Winners®

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

Product variants

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.

Delivery and Shipping

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.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Drought resistant, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Compact/Dwarf, Evergreen, Heat Tolerant, Fragrant, Attracts pollinators, Fast-growing
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	3-4 ft
Width	3-5 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Growth Rate	Fast
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	White, Pink
Foliage Color	Variegated, Green, Yellow
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Abelia
Botanical Name	Abelia × grandiflora 'Brilliantina'
Species	x grandiflora
Cultivar	Brilliantina
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brilliantina® Abelia deer resistant or tolerant?

Brilliantina® Abelia is highly deer resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens where deer browsing is a concern. Its natural resistance combined with heat tolerance creates a low-maintenance shrub that performs consistently. Plant it in sunny locations where you want continuous color without deer damage.

Will Brilliantina® Abelia stay evergreen or semi-evergreen in my zone?

Brilliantina® Abelia remains evergreen in warmer climates but becomes deciduous in colder zones. In USDA zones 6-7, expect semi-evergreen behavior with some leaf drop in winter, while zones 8-9 typically maintain foliage year-round. Check your specific zone when shopping at Nature Hills to set proper expectations.

What fertilizer does Brilliantina® Abelia need, if any?

Brilliantina® Abelia thrives without heavy feeding, thanks to its naturally vigorous growth habit. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring will support its fast growth rate and abundant blooms through frost. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that can reduce flowering.

How is Brilliantina® Abelia shipped (bare root, potted, size of plants)?

Brilliantina® Abelia ships as potted plants in various container sizes depending on availability. These fast-growing shrubs establish quickly once planted, reaching their mature 4x5 foot size within a few seasons. Plant in spring after frost danger passes for best establishment.

Is the variegated foliage on Brilliantina® Abelia prone to reverting?

Brilliantina® Abelia's variegated foliage is stable and maintains its bright green centers with sunny yellow margins from spring through fall. This Proven Winners® selection was specifically bred for consistent variegation performance. Shop at Nature Hills for this reliable cultivar.

Can Brilliantina® Abelia be used for hedging, mass planting, or as a specimen shrub?

Brilliantina® Abelia excels in all three roles, reaching 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide with a fast growth rate that fills in quickly. Its disciplined, tidy habit makes it ideal for low hedging, while the variegated foliage creates stunning mass plantings or eye-catching specimens. Space plants 3-4 feet apart for hedging or give a single plant room to showcase its colorful personality.

Brilliantina® Abelia

Abelia × grandiflora 'Brilliantina'