Abelia × grandiflora Kaleidoscope (Glossy Abelia)

Changing color over the seasons, Abelia × grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’ (Glossy Abelia) is a dwarf, variegated, semi-evergreen shrub. Emerging bright yellow and lime-green in spring, its glossy oval leaves turn golden yellow in summer before taking on glowing orange and fiery red hues in fall. The leaf coloration does not burn or scorch in the hottest of weather.

Changing color over the seasons, Abelia × grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' (Glossy Abelia) is a dwarf, variegated, semi-evergreen shrub. Emerging bright yellow and lime-green in spring, its glossy oval leaves turn golden yellow in summer before taking on glowing orange and fiery red hues in fall. The leaf coloration does not burn or scorch in the hottest of weather. Opening from soft pink buds in late spring, an abundance of white, tubular, fragrant flowers covers the entire bush well into fall. 'Kaleidoscope'is reported to be the longest-blooming of all the Abelias. Perfect for small gardens or containers. Heat and drought tolerant.

  • Grows up to 24-30 in. tall (60-75 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm).
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Best flower production and leaf coloration in full sun. Provide a sheltered location to help prevent hard freeze damage.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant or in small groupings, as an informal hedge or in containers.
  • Low maintenance, this plant is generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
  • Blooms on new wood, so prune as needed in late winter to early spring. May need hard pruning every 3 to 4 years.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer for home use

Requirements

Hardiness 6
– 9

Heat Zones 6
– 9

Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Abelia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spacing 40″ (100cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden