shrub

Little Richard Abelia

Name: Little Richard Abelia
Brand: Abelia
Availability: InStock

Abelia grandiflora 'Little Richard'

$79.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid of Asian species

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Abelia x grandiflora is a versatile semi-evergreen shrub known for its arching form, glossy leaves, and extended bloom period of fragrant, bell-shaped flowers. 'Little Richard' is a popular compact, dwarf cultivar that maintains a dense, rounded habit. Its new foliage emerges a bright, glossy red, maturing to a rich green, and it produces a profusion of white, lightly fragrant flowers.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A true workhorse, offering glossy foliage, reddish new growth, and a profusion of fragrant white flowers from spring through fall. Its compact, rounded shape is neat and attractive year-round.

Its dwarf size makes it ideal for small gardens, foundation plantings, low hedges, and even containers. It is tough, adaptable, and requires very little maintenance once established.

The small, fragrant flowers are a magnet for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing a steady food source over a very long season.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$79.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained soil and good sun exposure.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the container.
Gently loosen the roots before placing the plant in the hole.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill the hole, firm the soil, and water thoroughly.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base.

Pro Tip

For the best foliage color and most prolific blooms, provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly until the plant is well-established.
Prune for shape in late winter to maintain its compact form.
Plant in a location with good air circulation.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or constantly wet soil.
Avoid shearing into a tight, unnatural ball; allow its graceful habit.
Do not let mulch pile up against the stems, which can cause rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Compact formal hedgeGlossy foundation plantingPollinator-friendly border plant

Companion Plants

Nandina 'Firepower' Loropetalum chinense 'Ruby' Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' Spiraea japonica 'Goldmound' Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Little Richard Abelia questions

What zones can Little Richard Abelia grow in?

Little Richard Abelia is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Little Richard Abelia deer resistant?

Yes — Little Richard Abelia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Little Richard Abelia bloom?

Little Richard Abelia typically blooms in late spring through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Little Richard Abelia need full sun?

Little Richard Abelia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Little Richard Abelia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Little Richard Abelia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.