Glossy Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'

Abelia × grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' is a versatile and vibrant semi-evergreen shrub that offers multi-seasonal interest. Its standout feature is its variegated foliage: in spring, the leaves emerge with bright chartreuse centres and green edges, becoming gold and green in summer, and then turning fiery shades of orange and red in the autumn. Throughout late summer and well into the autumn, it produces clusters of small, fragrant, white, funnel-shaped flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. This cultivar has a compact, bushy habit and is relatively low-maintenance. While generally hardy (H4), it performs best in a sheltered position protected from cold, drying winds. It is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in well-drained soil. In the UK, it is perfect for adding long-lasting colour to a sunny border or for use as a low-maintenance hedge. It responds well to light pruning in early spring to maintain its shape.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.