Kaleidoscope Abelia

Small, glossy, yellow leaves with green centers and a rosy orange-red blush cover 'Kaleidoscope' all year round. In cold weather, the foliage develops attractive orange and maroon hues. Flowering begins in late spring to early summer and will continue throughout summer and into fall, though the first flush is the heaviest. In frost-free climates the shrubs will flower into winter. The small, fragrant, tubular flowers are ivory to palest pink and borne in small clusters. After the flowers drop, the rosy calyces (flower bud leaves) remain and continue to add color and textural interest.

 

The brilliant, variegated foliage of 'Kaleidoscope' is a visual knockout! This compact glossy abelia is less than half the size of standard types and blooms vigorously throughout the growing season. This cultivar was discovered by Randall Dale Lindsey of Locust, North Carolina as a branch sport of the compact selection, 'Little Richard.' Like all glossy abelia, it is evergreen in warmer climates and semi-evergreen further north where winters are consistently cold.

 

Sites with full to partial sun and acid to neutral, well-drained soil are preferred. Well-established plants exhibit exceptional drought tolerance, especially if planted in partial sun. Glossy abelia responds well to pruning, but selective pruning that will maintain the appealing habit of the shrub is recommended over shearing. Most cultivars can be easily propagated from cuttings. This popular landscape shrub has a neat appearance and works well in foundation plantings, mixed borders or mass plantings. It is also deer resistant and its flowers attract bees and butterflies.