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Kaleidoscope Abelia Bush

Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope'

  • Variegated Foliage on Red Stems Creates Year-Round Color in Your Kaleidoscope Abelia
  • Thrives in Zones 6-9
  • Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant
  • Sweetly Fragrant Flowers
  • Top Pick for Privacy Screen or Hedge
Regular price $5395
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: For the most vibrant orange and gold foliage, plant in full sun for at least 6 hours of direct light daily. While it handles partial shade well, the leaf colors will be more muted and the plant will have a looser, more open growth habit.
  • Soil: This shrub prefers well drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost to improve drainage, or plant it in a slight mound to keep the roots from sitting in water.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Abelia deeply twice a week to help the root system reach deep into the soil. Once established, this bush is remarkably drought tolerant and only needs supplemental water during extended dry spells. Inconsistent watering while the plant is young can lead to scorched leaf edges and fewer of the signature white flowers.

Pruning Tips

Kaleidoscope Abelia blooms on new wood, meaning it produces flowers on the stems that grow during the current season. The best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins. Think of it like a light haircut; simply trim back long or wayward branches to maintain its naturally rounded shape and encourage a fresh flush of colorful new foliage.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring as the new leaves begin to emerge. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages soft new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season growth is easily damaged by cold temperatures, which can stress the overall health of the shrub.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Description

Create instant visual interest on your property and from the curb with our Kaleidoscope Abelia PP#16988 (Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope') shrub. This low-growing, compact broadleaf evergreen shrub features stunning variegated leaves! The attention-commanding show begins in the spring when leaves begin to appear on brilliant red stems, a contrast that really has to be seen to be believed!

The foliage features lime green centers with a bit of yellow around the edges to create an unusual specimen that draws the eye instantly from the moment it comes into view. A Southern Living® Plant, Abelia has additional features that are also sure to delight you! In late spring, cute little pink buds will cover your plant. These will later blossom into white flowers that will continue to bloom into autumn. In fact, Kaleidoscope is considered the longest bloomer of the Abelias!

Unlike some less unique shrub varieties, the color of this handsome shrub doesn't go away with the spring. The color just gets more intense and mature as the seasons unfold and summer progresses! When summer days turn to fall, the Kaleidoscope's colors change in true kaleidoscope-style to orange-red autumn hues. The colors will darken into resplendent and magnificent autumn colors. What a show!

Landscape Application:

A must-have variegated ornamental shrub, Kaleidoscope is an incredibly brilliant specimen plant! The colors changing throughout the growing season bring you something new each spring, summer, fall, and winter! The white flowers are loved by butterflies and bees, and even hummingbirds.

This showy shrub does extremely well in small gardens, as a border plant, hedge, or even in containers on your patio or porch. You'll love to study the color from spring through fall. This is a shrub that truly adds to the aesthetic appeal of your landscape or lawn with eye-popping color!

Create vivid foundation plantings, showy backdrops, and screening hedges. The xeric nature makes Abelia perfect for harsher conditions, such as Rock Gardens and Water-Wise Gardens.

  • Compact Broadleaf Variegated Evergreen
  • Lime Green & Yellow Leaves
  • Showy Red Stems Intense Color From Spring Through Fall
  • Long Lasting Spring Til Fall Blooms For Butterflies!
  • Heat & Humidity Resistant Broadleaf Evergreens
  • Hedges, Privacy, Specimens & Xeric Accents

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Abelia is not only incredibly beautiful but also carefree. Unless you choose to shape it with a little pruning, there's really no maintenance required. Growing best in full sun and partial shade, plant in any kind of well-drained soil with moderate moisture, becoming low once established.

Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 6-9, these colorful shrubs grow 30 inches tall and spread 36 - 40 inches wide. Kaleidoscope will resist occasional frost and can be semi-evergreen in cooler climates and fully evergreen in warmer climates. You can prune in the late winter or early spring to keep this compact plant tidier. Abelia isn't too bothered by drought or heat. It's tolerant of many soil types and even the deer tend to leave it alone.

  • Full Sun & Partial Shade
  • Well-Drained Soil
  • Moderate to Low Moisture
  • Prune Late Winter or Early Spring
  • Deer & Pest Resistant

Planting your own long-flowering, year-round colorful Kaleidoscope Abelia bush in your garden ensures interest from spring through fall without any heavy commitment from you. Just order today, then sit back to watch the Kaleidoscope of colors materialize before you! Now at NatureHills.com!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size and height of Kaleidoscope Abelia bush?

  • Kaleidoscope Abelia reaches 2-3 feet tall and wide at maturity, making it a compact, low-growing shrub. This manageable size makes it perfect for small gardens, foundation plantings, or containers. Plan for adequate spacing when planting multiples for hedging or border applications.

Does Kaleidoscope Abelia grow well in zones 5-6, or will it die back in winter?

  • Kaleidoscope Abelia is hardy in zones 6-9, so it may experience winter dieback in zone 5 and northern zone 6 areas. In borderline zones, plant in a protected location and mulch well for winter protection. Shop cold-hardy alternatives at Nature Hills for zone 5 gardens.

What are the full sun vs. partial shade requirements for best foliage color?

  • Kaleidoscope Abelia develops its most vibrant variegated foliage in full sun to partial shade conditions. Full sun intensifies the lime green centers and yellow edges, while partial shade still produces good color but may be slightly less pronounced. For the boldest spring-through-fall color display, plant in a location receiving at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

What type of soil does Kaleidoscope Abelia need, and does it tolerate clay or sandy soil?

  • Kaleidoscope Abelia thrives in well-draining soil but adapts to both clay and sandy conditions. This versatile shrub tolerates poor soils thanks to its xeric nature. For best results, ensure good drainage and avoid waterlogged areas.

How often should I water Kaleidoscope Abelia, especially after planting?

  • Water newly planted Kaleidoscope Abelia deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month, then reduce to weekly watering. This xeric shrub becomes quite drought tolerant once established, typically by the second growing season. Check soil moisture 2 inches down before watering.

When is the best time to plant Kaleidoscope Abelia—spring, fall, or both?

  • Plant Kaleidoscope Abelia in spring or fall for best establishment. Spring planting allows the shrub to develop strong roots before summer heat, while fall planting takes advantage of cooler temperatures and natural rainfall. Avoid planting during extreme summer heat or winter freezes.

What pruning is required for Kaleidoscope Abelia to maintain shape and prevent flopping?

  • Kaleidoscope Abelia requires minimal pruning due to its naturally compact growth habit. Light pruning in late winter or early spring will maintain shape and encourage fresh growth on those striking red stems. Remove any dead or crossing branches, and trim back up to one-third of older stems to prevent the center from becoming too dense.

How is Kaleidoscope Abelia shipped, and what should I check upon arrival?

  • Kaleidoscope Abelia ships as a well-rooted plant ready for immediate planting in your landscape. Upon arrival, check that the root ball is moist and the distinctive variegated foliage with lime green centers appears healthy. Inspect the red stems for any shipping damage and plant promptly for best establishment.

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