Kaleidoscope Abelia
Abelia grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope'
This is one of the most colorful plants in our trial garden. Kaleidoscope Abelia is a vigorous, compact rounded shrub that displays outstanding variegated yellow and green foliage that turns outstanding shades of red and deep orange during the winter months. We've been growing kaleidoscope for over 5 years in our trial gardens and, regarding maintenance, about the only thing it requires is a snipping once a year to shape it up. It has shown excellent resistance to drought, disease, insects and deer. The small white flowers produced throughout summer are mildly fragrant, attract butterflies, and are a nice contrast to the foliage.
It is eye-catching as a
container specimen in a small garden, good for a formal or informal
hedge, and
is distinctive as an accent plant and spectacular in small to large groupings in sunny landscape beds.
Attributes, Characteristics & Requirements
USDA Hardiness Zones
6a thru 9b
Size
Ht: 2' to 3' W: 3' to 4'
Sun Exposure
Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil Type
Clay, Loam, Sandy, Silt
Soil Drainage
Well-Drained
Resistant To
Deer, Drought, Insect, Heat, Disease
| Flower Color
White
Seasons of Bloom
Summer into Fall
Foliage Color
Green, Yellow, & Red
Water Needs
Low when established
Growth Rate
Moderate to Fast
Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Companion Plants for Kaleidoscope Abelia
Our
award-winning design team selected the plants below based upon how the
foliage and flower color and/or texture, habit, and form of these plants
contrast with Kaleidoscope Abelia
Landscape Usages
Useful in small to large groups in landscape beds or foundation plantings, in flowering shrub borders, as a low hedge, or planted in mass on slopes or embankments for erosion control.
Care Tips for Kaleidoscope Abelia
Feeding Instructions
Fertilize Summer-flowering shrubs in Spring (after new growth has begun to emerge), and again, if needed, in late Summer to early Fall with a well-balanced tree and shrub food or an organic plant food. When in dought as to how much fertilizer to apply, follow instructions on the product label.
Pruning Instructions
This evergreen summer-flowering shrub requires no pruning. However, during any time of year it is okay to remove stray or broken branches, or shear to maintain a neater appearance or encourage another flush of blooms. Hard pruning, to reduce the size of the shrub, should be performed in late Winter; before new foliage has emerged. Hand-pruning, with sharp hand pruners, is recommended. Pruning with electric or gas-powered hedge trimmers can cause unsightly scarring of leaves.
Pest Instructions
This plant typically encounters very few pest or disease problems. If a pest or disease problem is identified, treat with an insecticide product, preferably one containing "Neem oil". Neem oil is a safe, triple-action product that can be used to control insects, mites and diseases. If your plant appears seriously stressed or diseased, consult with your local nurseryman, arborist, professional landscaper or local extension agent.
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Abelia Order 
