Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' (Glossy Abelia)

Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' is a hybrid Abelia cultivar from two introduced Abelia species, A. chinensis and A. uniflora. 'Kaleidoscope' is a small, evergreen shrub that produces striking variegated leaves, which start as yellow and green, progressing through gold in the summer before turning fiery orange and red hues for the fall. Growing to only between two and three feet tall, 'Kaleidoscope' produces large, lightly fragrant, white bell-shaped flowers in the fall, which are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.

With a spread of three to four feet per specimen, and a striking array of color through three seasons, Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' makes for an incredible specimen planting, as well as for kaleidoscopic border plantings. It's dwarf growth habit also makes it equally suited for use in container plantings, near foundations, or on slopes for erosion control, and its natural drought tolerance means that 'Kaleidoscope' can also be planted in drier locations without affecting its foliage.