Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' Abelia × grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' (PBR) (v)

Water

Kaleidoscope Abelia should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time, which equals approximately 0.623 gallons for an average-sized plant. During the growing season in spring and summer, it may require more frequent watering, especially in hotter, drier climates. Always check the soil moisture before watering; it should be moist but not waterlogged. Cut back on water during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing, watering only when the soil is dry to the touch a few inches down.

Light

Kaleidoscope Abelia thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can also tolerate some shade, especially from the hot afternoon sun. An east or west-facing spot is ideal to provide the optimal light balance for vigorous growth and best foliage color.

Temperature

Kaleidoscope Abelia is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 5°F and as high as 90°F, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 80°F. It will grow most vigorously and produce the most blooms within this temperature range.

Pruning

Pruning Kaleidoscope Abelia is done primarily to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Trim back just enough to shape the plant and remove any damaged or dead branches. Additionally, light pruning in summer can help stimulate more flowering. A major prune every few years can rejuvenate an older plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Kaleidoscope Abelia thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. A good soil mix for this plant would consist of two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part organic compost to ensure proper drainage and nutrition. Mulching is also beneficial to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Repotting

Kaleidoscope Abelia is typically grown in the ground and does not require repotting. However, if grown in containers, repotting every 2 to 3 years or when the roots outgrow the pot is advisable to ensure healthy growth.

Humidity & Misting

Kaleidoscope Abelia is adaptable to a range of humidity conditions, but it prefers moderate humidity levels. Although this shrub is quite resilient, extremely high humidity over long periods can lead to fungal issues, so ensuring good air circulation is beneficial.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light, and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun to partial shade with shelter from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Kaleidoscope Abelia is a perennial shrub that begins its life as a seed or more commonly by cutting, which when planted, germinates or roots to form a new plant. Following initial establishment, it enters a vegetative stage where it develops a framework of stems and leaves and demonstrates its variegated foliage. As the plant matures, typically within 2-3 years, it begins the reproductive phase, flowering in the summer to late fall with small, tubular white to pinkish blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, if successful, it may produce small, inconspicuous seed heads, although propagation is often achieved through cuttings rather than seed. During the winter, the plant may experience a period of dormancy, with reduced growth and minimal flowering, especially in cooler climates. Finally, as the Kaleidoscope Abelia ages, it can be prone to woodiness and may require pruning to rejuvenate growth and maintain its shape and colorful foliage.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is usually done in late summer or early fall when the current year’s growth has begun to harden but is not yet fully woody. Cut a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) length of stem that has at least two or three sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Then, place the cuttings into a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the leafless portion is buried. The pot should be kept moist, placed in indirect sunlight, and ideally maintained within a temperature range of 65-75°F (approximately 18-24°C). Roots typically develop within a few weeks to a couple of months, after which the new Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' plants can be transferred to individual pots or a suitable location in the garden.