A red finale
The autumn change happens in the foliage itself: green gives way to red shades, with intensity varying according to the season and conditions.
Abelia 'Mystic Daydream'® 17cm
Normal price
€15,00
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Abelia × grandiflora ‘Abelops02’ Mystic Daydream®
A wardrobe change for autumn 🍂
- Red autumn foliage
- Pale pink flowers
- Dense branching
- Garden & large pot
Abelia × grandiflora ‘Abelops02’ Mystic Daydream® changes the character of a planting as its green foliage develops deep red shades in autumn. Fine, densely branched stems create a full yet light impression, without the rigidity of a tightly clipped geometric shape. In late summer, small pale pink flowers add delicate highlights, making the transition towards the autumn palette particularly appealing and giving the shrub a gently changing presence.
Its slightly spreading crown softens the straight lines of a terrace and visually connects different layers in a mixed border. Allowing space around it reveals the fine branching and seasonal leaf changes, rather than losing these details within a dense mass of neighbouring greenery.
The exact cultivar ‘Abelops02’ Mystic Daydream received a bronze award at GreenGrandPrix 2025.
What makes it special
Delicate flowers
Pale pink flowers appear in small groups in late summer, complementing the fine texture of the stems.
A naturally full crown
Dense branching fills the lower plant, while stems spread slightly outwards to create a relaxed outline.
Why you will love it: it brings autumn colour to a composition that does not depend solely on large flowers.
In the garden & on the balcony Placement & plant combinations Position, growing space and compatible companions
Best position
Place it in the middle layer of a sunny, sheltered border or as a standalone shrub in a large pot. Allow room for lateral growth away from narrow passages, and avoid enclosing it between tall shrubs that would shade its base.
Compatible planting
White flowers, silver foliage and lower green clumps keep the composition calm when the abelia turns red. Use well-drained soil and separate watering zones where requirements differ.
- Oenothera lindheimeri — white flowers alongside it in sun, allowing the fine flowering stems to stand out against the denser abelia.
- Stachys byzantina — low silver foliage at the drier front edge, with separate watering and excellent drainage.
- Liriope muscari — green clumps on the side receiving morning sun and afternoon partial shade, without allowing their soil to remain dry for long periods.
Care at a glance
Light
Sun in a sheltered position; light partial shade is preferable to a dark corner.
Watering
Water when the surface starts to dry, wetting the rootball thoroughly and allowing excess water to drain.
Climate & hardiness
Semi-evergreen: some foliage may fall in cold weather. Protect the pot from severe frost and cold winds.
Safety
An ornamental plant, not intended for consumption. Keep it away from children or pets that regularly chew plants.
Detailed careComplete care guidePlanting, water, maintenance and seasonal care
Exposure and airflow
Choose a bright, sunny position sheltered from strong cold winds. When moving a plant from shade, increase exposure gradually so its existing foliage can acclimatise.
Soil and planting
Plant at the same depth as in the original pot, in soil that retains useful moisture without becoming waterlogged. Keep soil and thick organic mulch away from the stem bases.
Watering during establishment
During the first season, check the original rootball as well as the surrounding soil. Water thoroughly when it begins to dry, without keeping the roots continually wet.
Growing in a pot
Use a pot with drainage holes and a free-draining mix. Move up progressively when roots occupy the available space, and empty excess water from the saucer.
Restrained pruning
In late winter or early spring, remove dead or damaged branches and selectively shorten shoots that disrupt the natural outline. Avoid repeated summer shearing that removes flowering growth.
Feeding and winter
Modest spring feeding following the fertiliser label is preferable to excess. In severe cold, protect the pot in particular and maintain drainage; leaf loss alone does not mean the plant has died.
Development over timeFrom young shrub to a red autumn presenceFrom establishment to the natural mature form
Roots come first
After planting, establishment precedes a full crown. New growth depends on temperature, available light and balanced watering.
Filling from the base
Dense branching gradually builds a broad shrub. Selective pruning preserves the movement of the stems instead of turning it into a rigid ball.
Changing foliage
In autumn, foliage colour becomes the main attraction. A cold winter may thin the crown before fresh spring growth fills it again.
Mature form & dimensions
Gradual maturityHeight 1–1.5 mSpread 1–1.5 mBroad, densely branched crown
Approximately 1–1.5 m tall × 1–1.5 m wide. Broad, densely branched crown; allow room sideways. Conditions and pruning influence the final size.
Form through the seasons
Late summerFlowers on leafy shoots
Autumn / cold weatherRed tones and possible leaf thinning
The drawings show natural architecture and the seasonal cycle, not a guaranteed size or colour of the potted plant.
History & origin Cultivar origin The history of this particular cultivar
‘Abelops02’, sold as Mystic Daydream, was selected by Ron van Opstal in Zundert, the Netherlands. Its history includes seedling selection in 2007 and presentation at Plantarium in 2012. The cultivar is linked to ‘Sunshine Daydream’ as its original plant material.
Dense branching and pronounced autumn leaf colour are defining features. In 2025, the cultivar received a bronze GreenGrandPrix award, continuing its development as a shrub valued for seasonal interest.
Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScience nobody asked forBotanical details for anyone curious about what lies behind the plant’s appearance
Colour after the flower
In abelia, the calyx ends in lobes that can remain after the corolla falls. Some of the decorative flower remnants therefore consist of sepals rather than newly produced petals.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers for this particular cultivar.
01Is Mystic Daydream a variegated abelia?
‘Abelops02’ has green foliage that turns red in autumn, without a permanent cream margin on its leaves.
02When does it flower?
Its main flowering interest is in late summer. The precise start and duration depend on climate and the condition of the plant.
03Will it keep its leaves all winter?
Not necessarily. It is semi-evergreen and may lose some or more of its foliage in cold weather.
04Can it stay in its 17 cm pot?
The 17 cm pot reflects its current size. As it develops, the roots progressively need more room, eventually requiring a large pot or a position in the garden.
05Does it need frequent clipping?
No. Selective removal of problem branches and a light adjustment in early spring suit its natural crown better.
06Why has it not turned as red as the photograph?
Autumn colour varies with the season, light and temperature. It is not a permanent colour or identical on every leaf and plant.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.