First Editions^® Vanilla Brandy Abelia

Common Name: First Editions® Vanilla Brandy Abelia

Vanilla Brandy’s variegated leaf that retains that color throughout the season is unique and stands out in the landscape. The ease in production is also a great benefit to this new cultivar. This tight, compact Abelia has green leaves with white margins that hold their color without necrosis from sun and heat. In the fall, leaf margins turn pink to rose. Leaves are evergreen to semi-evergreen. The flowers are white, about 1 inch long, and slightly fragrant. Flowers open in May–June and continue through October. Sepals turn pink and are persistent. New stems are red-purple through the growing season and add to winter interest. Vanilla Brandy is a good production plant. It doesn’t lean or flop in containers and roots to the bottom. Plants are uniform and don’t need pruning to stay compact. 

Featured in the New Varieties Showcase at the 2021 Farwest Show.