Abelia grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope', Kaleidoscope Abelia
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Abelia grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope'

Kaleidoscope Abelia

Caprifoliaceae

Hybrid of garden origin; parent species from China

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height2–3 feet (60–90 cm)
Width2–3 feet (60–90 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
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (light)
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

A compact semi-evergreen shrub reaching 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) tall and 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) wide, significantly smaller than the parent Abelia × grandiflora. Kaleidoscope is grown primarily for its exceptional foliage, which progresses through one of the most dramatic seasonal color sequences of any hardy shrub: golden-yellow leaves with contrasting lime-green centers in spring and summer, transitioning to vivid orange-red in fall, then settling into deep burgundy-red for winter. Leaves small, oval, 0.75–1.25 inches (2–3 cm) long, finely serrated. Small tubular white flowers are lightly fragrant, borne sporadically June through September — flowering is notably sparser than the species, as this cultivar was selected for foliage rather than bloom. Watch for vigorous all-green reversion shoots and remove immediately to preserve the cultivar's distinctive coloring. Hardy in USDA zones 6–9.

Native Range

Abelia × grandiflora is an artificial hybrid of Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora, both from China, first produced in Italian nurseries in the 19th century. Kaleidoscope is a cultivar of garden origin with no native range.

Suggested Uses

Used as a low hedge, border edging, or foliage accent in mixed perennial or shrub borders at 2.5–3 foot (75–90 cm) spacing. The changing seasonal foliage provides four-season interest. Excellent for brightening partially shaded areas, though best color in full sun. Suitable for containers of 5+ gallons (19+ L) with winter protection in zone 6. Pairs well with purple-leaved Heuchera and blue-flowered perennials.

How to Identify

Identified by striking bicolor foliage — golden-yellow leaves with lime-green centers in the growing season — on a compact, densely mounded shrub 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) tall. No other Abelia cultivar shows this specific golden-and-green bicolor pattern. Distinguished from Sunrise by the bicolor leaf (golden margin with green center) versus Sunrise's more uniform golden coloration. Watch for all-green reversion shoots with larger, uniformly dark green leaves — these must be removed promptly.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

gold
green
orange
burgundy

Fall Foliage Colors

orange
red
burgundy

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~14 weeks
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SummerFall
Blooms sporadically from June through September with scattered lightly fragrant tubular white flowers on new growth. Flowering is substantially lighter than the species — this cultivar was bred primarily for foliage. In zones 8–9, bloom may extend into October.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, small tubular, lightly fragrant

Foliage Description

Golden-yellow with lime-green centers in spring and summer; vivid orange-red in fall; deep burgundy-red in winter

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 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 Range5.5 - 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

Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil; full sun produces the most intense foliage coloration. Space plants 2.5–3 feet (75–90 cm) apart. Water regularly during the first season; once established, tolerates dry periods but colors best with consistent moisture. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Fertilize lightly with a balanced slow-release formula in early spring; avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes green growth at the expense of colorful foliage. Monitor carefully and remove all-green reversion shoots immediately whenever they appear. Generally pest-free; aphids may appear on new growth in spring.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or winter-damaged stems to the ground. Immediately remove all-green reversion shoots whenever they appear throughout the season. Light shaping after flowering is fine. For full rejuvenation, cut to 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) above ground in early spring — regrowth is rapid.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic
Abelia × grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' (Kaleidoscope Abelia) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef