What hardiness zones is Abelia grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' suitable for?

Abelia grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Abelia grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope'?

Abelia grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' requires Part Sun.

How much water does Abelia grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' need?

Abelia grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' has Low water needs.

Abelia grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope', Kaleidoscope Glossy Abelia

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Broadleaf Deciduous Shrubs

Abelia grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope'

Kaleidoscope Glossy Abelia

CaprifoliaceaeEastern and central China

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitMounding

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height2.5–3 feet (75–90 cm)

Width3–4 feet (90–120 cm)

Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Attracts Hummingbirds

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Fragrant (light)

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

A compact, semi-evergreen shrub reaching 2.5–3 feet (75–90 cm) tall and 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) wide. Leaves small, ovate, 0.5–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) long, glossy, arranged oppositely on arching stems. Foliage emerges golden-yellow in spring, transitions to lime-green and gold through summer, then shifts to orange-red and burgundy tones by fall; color persists through winter in zones 7–9. Tubular flowers, approximately 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) long, white with a faint pink blush, borne in small clusters at stem tips from June through September. Bronze-tinted persistent sepals remain after petals drop, extending ornamental interest through fall. Spreads slowly by suckering; may require occasional removal of outward-spreading stems. Lower stem dieback occurs in zone 6 winters, with regrowth from the root crown in spring.

Native Range

Abelia × grandiflora is a hybrid between Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora, both native to mountainous regions of eastern and central China, where the parent species grow in woodland margins, rocky slopes, and valley thickets at 1,300–6,600 feet (400–2,000 m) elevation.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a low hedge at 2.5–3 foot (75–90 cm) spacing or as an individual specimen in mixed shrub borders. Used in foundation plantings where mature height under 3 feet (90 cm) is needed. Grows in containers of at least 7–10 gallons (26–38 L); container plants require more frequent watering and may not survive winters below zone 7 without protection.

How to Identify

Distinguished from other A. × grandiflora cultivars by strongly variegated foliage cycling through yellow, gold, and orange-red tones within a single season. Leaves ovate, 0.5–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm), glossy above, with prominent midrib. Flowers tubular, 0.5 inch (1.3 cm), white with pale pink, in small axillary clusters; persistent bronze sepals remain after bloom. Habit distinctly compact and mounding compared to the 5–6 foot (150–180 cm) spread of the straight species.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2'6" - 3'

Width/Spread3' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

Foliage Colors

yellow

gold

green

orange

red

burgundy

Fall Foliage Colors

orange

red

burgundy

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~14 weeks

SummerFall

Flowers from June through September in zones 6–9. Peak bloom occurs July through August; total flowering period extends 12–14 weeks. In zones 8–9, bloom may begin in late May. Cooler temperatures in fall prolong the display of persistent bronze sepals after petals drop.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White with pale pink blush

Foliage Description

Golden-yellow in spring, transitioning to lime-green and gold in summer, orange-red and burgundy in fall and winter

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2–3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water weekly during the first growing season in the absence of rain to establish root development. Once established, plants tolerate short dry periods of 2–3 weeks but growth slows and foliage color intensity decreases during extended drought. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) once in early spring; excessive nitrogen shifts foliage toward green and reduces variegation. In zone 6, mulch the root zone to 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) depth in late fall to protect roots from hard freezes below 0°F (−18°C). Foliar diseases such as powdery mildew occur in humid, poorly ventilated sites; spacing plants at least 3 feet (90 cm) apart reduces incidence. No serious pest problems documented.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing any winter-killed stems at ground level. Cut back up to one-third of the oldest stems to the base annually to maintain vigor. Light tip-pruning after the main flush of bloom (September–October) can be done to shape, but heavy pruning eliminates flower buds forming on current-season wood. Avoid fall pruning in zone 6, as it reduces cold hardiness of the remaining stems.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic