Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' is a highly ornamental form of this popular and reliable landscape shrub. This new glossy abelia is steps above the older varieties. It was bred for its leaf color and dense, compact form. The mounded, and tightly-branched shrub remains small, with a height of 2 to 3 feet tall and slightly wider.
Prior to its introduction, 'Kaleidoscope' was tested at various trial sites around the world for several years to insure reliable performance and the highest standards of excellence.
The leaf variegation of 'Kaleidoscope' is dramatically defined and is truly a year long changing event. In early spring the leaves emerge on bright red stems with lime-green centers and bright yellow edges. When summer arrives, the yellow matures to golden and the variegation does not burn or scorch in the hottest of weather. In fall and winter the foliage color deepens to shades of orange and fiery red and the winter foliage hangs on better than other abelias.
Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’ is an easy to care for versatile Gainesville landscaping plant. Landscapers use it as a focal specimen or accent plant in a small garden, for a formal or informal hedge. It is also a dramatic and spectacular in mass plantings.
Following are some "Rave Reviews" from the Gainesville landscape design industry.
● “…really packs a wallop.”
“…specimens are vigorous yet compact, colorful to a fault, do not bleach in the sun, and catch visitors’ eyes.”
“…held a full complement of leaves through the 2004/2005 winter.”
“…I believe this plant’s more evergreen nature will make it a commercial success.”
– Dr. Michael Dirr, Nursery Management & Production, May 2005
● “Durable and astonishingly beautiful, with constantly swirling color throughout the seasons..”
– Pam Beck, Author of Best Garden Plants for North Carolina, Lone Pine Publishing, 2006
● “Evergreen…colorful…durable. Kaleidoscope sells itself!”
– Jon Reelhorn, Owner, Belmont Nursery
● “The kaleidoscope of color changes my Kaleidoscope Abelias produce beautifully accent my garden throughout the year...they are the best accent to any outdoor living area.”
– Jon St.Clair, Sales Manager, J. Berry Nursery
●"Our customers love Kaleidoscope. Landscapers like to mass it for a bright, eye catching splash, and garden centers love it because it sells! They're the best and toughest of the variegated abelias."
– Susi Strong, Gilbert's Nursery