Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora) is a popular shrub in the Southeastern U.S. (USDA hardiness zones 6–9). Foliage is evergreen in USDA Zone 7 and south. The cultivar ‘Kaleidoscope’ is a form of abelia that can be utilized as a 2 to 3 feet tall by 3 to 4 feet wide compact shrub or low spreading ground cover.

Kaleidoscope is best remembered for its seasonal foliage color bursts. In the spring lemon-yellow variegated leaves, with lime green centers, grow from reddish stems. Summer foliage develops a golden hue, then morphing into blends of reds, oranges, greens and yellows in the fall. The vividly colored variegated foliage does not burn in the heat of summer.

Pale pink floral buds open to white tubular flowers and bloom from early summer (July) into fall (October). Blooms tend to blend with the lightly colored leaves. Butterflies and many other pollinating insects are attracted to this easy to grow shrub
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Abelias require little maintenance other than removal of aberrant leaders (suckers) which spring up in early summer. Prune off suckers if a uniform shrub or ground cover height is desired. Abelias thrive in full sun (6-hours minimum) and are planted in a well-drained soil.
Feed abelias with 10-10-10 or equivalent granular fertilizer in late winter or spring. Water-soluble fertilizer (such as Miracle-Gro®, Schultz®, Jacks® or Daniels®) is applied 3 times from early spring to mid-August.