Glossy Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’
Common Name: Kaleidoscope Abelia, Glossy Abelia Kaleidoscope
Botanical Name: Abelia x grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’
Category: Shrub
Lifecycle: Perennial
USDA Symbol: ABGR4
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6A – 9B
Sun Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hours per day), Partial shade (2-4 hours per day)
Water Requirement: Medium
Growth Rate: Moderate
Plant Adult Height: 3 to 6 ft
Plant Spacing: 4 to 6 ft
Plant Adult Spread: 3 to 6 ft
Leaf Shape: Ovate
Leaf Arrangement: Opposite
Leaf Retention: Semi-Evergreen
Miscellaneous: Tolerates poor soil
Plant Description:
Abelia x grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’ is an evergreen shrub (in mild climates), a deciduous shrub in colder winter climates. The plant is notable for mildly fragrant showy white flowers. The leaves are bright golden yellow variegation on green leaves with red stems.
Abelia x grandiflora is a cross hybrid between A. chinensis and A. uniflora. The plant generally grows in a rounded spreading multistemmed form to a height of 2 to 2.5 feet with a width (spread) of 3 to 4 feet. ‘Kaleidoscope’ should be planted in full sun, however, it will tolerate partial shade. Flower production is best in full sun. Flowers develop on new wood. ‘Kaleidoscope’ bloom throughout the summer, May to September. ‘Kaleidoscope’ was discovered in 1997 as a varigated branch sport of Abelia x grandiflora ‘Little Richard’. ‘Kaleidoscope’ is suitable for Zones 5 to 9.
Propagation & Planting:
‘Kaleidoscope’ should be planted in full sun or partial sun into prepared soil. Spacing should be on 3′ to 4′ center distances. (Example: 9 plants would be appropriate for a 10 ft. x 10 ft planting bed. Landscape uses include border, container, green roof, hedge, and mass planting. Kaleidoscope Abelia prefers moist soil that drains well. In heavy clay soils the addition of “expanded shale” helps to improve drainage. Asexual propagation is not recommended as the plants are subject to patent protection. PP#16,988
Basic Care Instructions:
Kaleidoscope Abelia requires moderate watering with additional watering when first planted especially in climates with hot summers. Once established regular watering cycles are best with supplemental watering in extreme heat and in containers.
Kaleidoscope Abelia prefers moist soil that drains well.
Fertilizing Instructions:
Periodic seasonal fertilization using a balanced 10-10-10 formula is recommended. A fertilizer with little or no phosphate is recommended in soils that are naturally high in phosphate. “Tree and Shrub Food” is generally a balanced formula.
Pruning Instructions:
Flowers develop on new wood growth. Pruning should be performed in late winter – early spring before the development of buds or flowers. Only minor pruning should be performed during the growing season. Late fall-winter pruning should be performed to control the size and shape of the plants.
Pests & Disease:
Abelia x grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’ PP16988 is largely disease-free and deer resistant.
