Sunshine Daydream Abelia
Abelia grandiflora 'Sunshine Daydream'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
48 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Long-lived shrub
Native To
Hybrid origin
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Abelia x grandiflora is a hybrid shrub known for its graceful, arching branches and long season of fragrant, bell-shaped flowers. It is a tough, reliable landscape plant. 'Sunshine Daydream' is prized for its vibrant, tricolor variegated foliage of green, gold, and cream, with new growth emerging in shades of orange and red. Its fragrant flowers are a bonus.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Find a location with well-drained soil and full to partial sun.
- Dig a planting hole twice the diameter of the root ball.
- Incorporate organic compost into the backfill soil.
- Set the plant in the hole, with the top of the root ball at soil level.
- Fill the hole, gently firm the soil, and water deeply.
- Mulch around the plant to conserve moisture and deter weeds.
Pro Tip
To maintain the brightest gold and orange foliage tones, provide ample morning sun with some afternoon shade in hotter climates.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly after planting until established.
- Prune in late winter to remove any dead branches and shape the plant.
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Don't
- Don't plant in heavy, waterlogged soil.
- Avoid deep shade, which will cause the foliage to lose its vibrant color.
- Don't allow the plant to completely dry out during hot summer months.
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Sunshine Daydream Abelia questions
What zones can Sunshine Daydream Abelia grow in?
Sunshine Daydream 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 Sunshine Daydream Abelia deer resistant?
Yes — Sunshine Daydream Abelia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Sunshine Daydream Abelia bloom?
Sunshine Daydream Abelia typically blooms in mid-summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Sunshine Daydream Abelia need full sun?
Sunshine Daydream Abelia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Sunshine Daydream Abelia drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sunshine Daydream Abelia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Abelia to compare
Tres Amigos Abelia
Abelia grandiflora 'Mincautri'
Kaleidoscope Abelia
Abelia grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope'
Abelia Tres Amigos
Abelia x grandiflora 'Tres Amigos'
Glossy Abelia
Abelia x grandiflora 'Brilliantina'
Abelia Rose Creek
Abelia x grandiflora 'Rose Creek'
Glossy Abelia
Abelia grandiflora 'Radiance'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Sunshine Daydream Abelia with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
