Brilliantina™ Abelia

If you fancy growing an Abelia but do not want to spend your time maintaining it, check out the tidy and well-behaved Brilliantina™ Abelia. Botanically called, Abelia x grandiflora 'KEYFLY', this Abelia produces attractive green and white variegated foliage and fragrant white flowers in summer. Growing to 3 to 4 feet tall, the Brilliantina™ Abelia is a versatile mid-sized shrub. Brilliantina™ is less likely to develop long shoots over the season and tends to keep a neater appearance than other Abelias. It is deer tolerant and either evergreen or semi-evergreen depending on the local climate. Suitable for growing in zones 6 to 9, it can be used for mass planting, forming a low hedge or simply growing as a specimen shrub in a border. Brilliantina™ Abelia Care The Brilliantina™ Abelia performs best when it is grown in full sun to partial sun. It favors a neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil. Water well after planting and for the first couple of growing seasons. Once it is established, it can tolerate some dry periods. Supplementary fertilizer is seldom needed; however, you can give it a boost by applying a general slow-release feed in early spring. With a naturally tidy form, minimal ongoing care is required. That being said, you can lightly trim in early spring if desired. It is best to avoid pruning later in the season, as the flowers may be removed. Brilliantina™ Abelia Spacing The Brilliantina™ Abelia can reach a mature size of 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. Space plants from 3 to 5 feet apart, depending on the desired effect. One abelia can be planted in a 16 inch pot.