Contents
Description
Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope is a stunning shrub that provides year-round interest to any garden. It is a hybrid between Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora, and it is known for its variegated foliage that changes color throughout the seasons. This plant is native to China, and it is a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Abelia |
Appearance
The Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope is a compact, multi-stemmed shrub that grows up to 3-4 feet tall and wide. It has small, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are variegated with yellow, green, and pink. The colors intensify in the fall, and the leaves turn deep red, orange, and purple. In the summer, it produces clusters of fragrant, pale pink, funnel-shaped flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Care Guide
The Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer.
- Soil: Plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope is generally pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and fungal diseases like powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, keep the plant healthy and well-watered, and prune out any dead or diseased branches.
Habitat
The Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope is native to China, where it grows in forests and on hillsides. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade, but it can tolerate full sun if it is well-watered.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I prune my Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope?
A: Yes, you can prune your Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Prune out any dead or diseased branches, and shape the plant as desired.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope?
A: You should fertilize your Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer, or as directed on the package.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope?
A: Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Q: Does Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope produces fragrant flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Related Plants
- Abelia x grandiflora
- Abelia chinensis
- Abelia mosanensis
- Abelia floribunda
References
- “Abelia Grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 24 August 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b547.
- “Abelia Grandiflora Kaleidoscope.” Monrovia. Accessed 24 August 2021. www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/3324/kaleidoscope-abelia/.
- “Abelia x grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’.” North Carolina State University. Accessed 24 August 2021. www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Abelia-x-grandiflora-Kaleidoscope.pdf.
