Maintenance Landscaping Design

Abelia kaleidoscope is a plant that is native to eastern Asia. It is a member of the family Caprifoliaceae, which also includes such plants as honeysuckle, fly honeysuckle, and valerian. The plant is a shrub that typically grows to a height of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m). The leaves are opposite, ovate to elliptical in shape, and are green with a bronze tint. The flowers are white and occur in clusters. The fruit is a black berry.

Also called

• Colorful Shrubs
  
• Flowering Shrubs
  
• Ornamental Shrubs
  
• Landscape Shrubs
  
• Garden Shrubs

Good to Know

• Abelia kaleidoscope is a hybrid plant created by crossing two species of abelia.
  
• It is a evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall.
  
• The leaves of the abelia kaleidoscope are colorful, with shades of green, yellow, pink and red.
  
• The flowers of the abelia kaleidoscope are small, white and bell-shaped.
  
• The plant blooms from late spring to early summer.
  
• The abelia kaleidoscope is popular as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
  
• It is low-maintenance and relatively disease-resistant.
  
• The plant can be propagated from cuttings.
  
• It is native to eastern Asia.
  
• The abelia kaleidoscope was introduced to Europe in the 19th century.

Related plant:
Abelia Floribunda

How to Grow

1. For abelia kaleidoscope, first step is to find a good location. It is important to find a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
   
2. The second step is to prepare the soil. The soil should be well-drained and amended with organic matter.
   
3. The third step is to plant the seeds. Plant the seeds in early spring, about 1/4 inch deep.
   
4. The fourth step is to water the seeds. Water the seeds gently and keep the soil moist.
   
5. The fifth step is to thin the seedlings. Thin the seedlings to about 6 inches apart.
   
6. The sixth step is to fertilize the plants. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer about two weeks after planting.
   
7. The seventh step is to deadhead the flowers. Deadhead the flowers to encourage new growth.
   
8. The eighth step is to prune the plants. Prune the plants in late winter to early spring.
   
9. The ninth step is to overwinter the plants. Overwinter the plants in a protected location.
   
10. The tenth step is to enjoy the flowers. Enjoy the flowers in spring and summer.

The Soil

About soil condition, abelia kaleidoscope is best to be planted in well-drained soil, in full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and conditions, including clay, loam, and sand. It does not tolerate wet or soggy soils. For best results, amend the soil with organic matter prior to planting.

Light requirement

Just like other flowering plants, abelia kaleidoscope needs sun to thrive. The plant grows best in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. When growing in partial shade, the plant may not produce as many flowers.

The Temperature

The temperature condition in the abelia kaleidoscope is ideal for many different types of plants. The warm temperatures make it possible for a wide variety of flowers to bloom, and the cooler temperatures allow for a more diverse range of foliage. This makes the abelia kaleidoscope a perfect place for those who want to create a beautiful garden.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40%-60%. The plant flowers best when the humidity is on the lower end of this range. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant also needs good drainage and rich soil with plenty of organic matter to do well. We suggest preparing the bed well before planting by working in some compost. Be sure to apply a root stimulator at planting time to encourage good root development.

About light

Pruning kale is essential to keeping the plant healthy and preventing it from overgrowing. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or yellow leaves, as well as any stems that are longer than 12 inches. Doing this will encourage the plant to produce new, healthy growth.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done in the spring or summer, as the plant needs warmth and light to grow. Take stem cuttings that are around 6 inches long, and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, then plant them in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Keep the pot moist and in a warm, sunny spot, and the cuttings should root within a few weeks. Once they have rooted, you can transplant them into your garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is very fast, which means the plant can become crowded and need dividing every 3-4 years. When left to its own devices, an abelia kaleidoscope can easily reach 6 feet wide and just as tall.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, root rots, bud blight, and dieback. These problems are often caused by too much moisture or poor drainage. Powdery mildew can be controlled with fungicides, but it is best to prevent it by ensuring the plant has good air circulation. Root rots can be prevented by planting the abelia kaleidoscope in well-drained soil. Bud blight can be controlled with fungicides, but it is best to prevent it by removing infected buds. Dieback can be controlled with fungicides, but it is best to prevent it by pruning out dead branches.

Basics of Growing

• If you are growing abelia kaleidoscope for the first time, start with young plants from a nursery.
  
• Choose a sunny spot in your garden for planting abelia kaleidoscope.
  
• Prepare the soil in advance by loosening it and adding some organic matter.
  
• When planting, make sure to space the plants about 2 feet apart.
  
• Water the plants regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
  
• Fertilize the plants every few weeks during the growing season.
  
• To encourage bushier growth, you can prune the plants lightly in late spring or early summer.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if found.
  
• Harvest the flowers in summer when they are in full bloom.
  
• Abelia kaleidoscope is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it will perform best if you give it

Substitution

• Abelcet abelcet
  
• Abelicetum abelicetum
  
• Abelia albiflora
  
• Abelia biflora
  
• Abelia chinensis
  
• Abelia crenata
  
• Abelia dentata
  
• Abelia flava
  
• Abelia floribunda
  
• Abelia fruticosa
  

Source:
Linnaea x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' PP #16988 (Kaleidoscope Abelia ...
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Abelia ×grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope'
Abelia Hybrids