Prune it down to about 9 inches, do not take it down within an inch of it's life. There is no pruning needed for this dwarf abelia, but if desired reserve heavy pruning for winter. Look for any branches that cross or abrade one another, and prune them to prevent the invitation of disease and pests to a wound site in the cambium. Kaleidoscope is as versatile as it is colorful, with chameleon-like foliage that changes with the seasons, from golden yellow in spring to orange-red in fall. It has a single trunk and is about 5 feet in height and resembles a small weeping willow tree when in flower. Pruning and caring for glossy abelia When and how to prune your Abelia. This is a versatile plant that professionals love. Botanical name. In the autumn, the golden color shifts to oranges and reds, while the center of the leaves remain deep green. Prune before spring growth has started in … Plant your Kaleidoscope Abelia in full sun for the best color. Abelia Kaleidoscope in the Landscape. Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' Other names. Cease any pruning 2 months prior to the average first-frost date in your area. Best flowering in full sun. Too much will weaken them and a sharp frost could kill them. Zones 5-6 see some fall leaf dropping, and if the weather’s too cold the plant may die back a bit, but it’ll return in spring. It will grow in shade, but the colors just won't be as vibrant. The flowering branches are heavy with beautiful Magenta trumpet like flowers and is a big attraction for bees. Variety or Cultivar 'Kaleidoscope' _ 'Kaleidoscope' is a compact, rounded, semi-evergreen, shrub with arching branches bearing ovate, glossy, yellow and green variegated leaves turning shades of orange and red in autumn and, in summer, terminal panicles of pink buds opening … If we could only plant one shrub in our gardens, it might just be Kaleidoscope Abelia! Q; How do I prune this lovely shrub which my late mother trained to resemble a small arching fruit tree. To prune a glossy abelia well, consider that annual pruning at the end of winter or the beginning of spring encourages growth and blooming of the shrub. Stray branches that are spoiling the shape of the plant can be removed any time of year. I prune the Kaleidoscope abelia growing in my landscape one time a year in late winter. Feed your abelia early in the spring before new growth starts. Hard pruning is best preformed in late February or early March in the UK. ANSWER: Kaleidoscope abelia blooms on new wood, so you can prune it in the winter while it’s dormant. Light trimming can be done anytime of the year. The Kaleidoscope Abelia adds beauty, color, contrast, and texture to the landscape. Q. Abelia Floribunda. Prune as needed to maintain its shape. Abelia bloom on new wood, so if you want to see flowers, avoid extensive pruning after spring growth begins. If you want to keep a tight, more formal shape you can prune abelias as needed throughout the season. Abelia Abelia. This is only to remove a few stems that grow above the dense mound of foliage. Only hard prune Abelia's once every 3 or 4 years. When plants have gone dormant for winter pruning can resume. Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' Genus. Hard prune your abelia in the spring if needed after the last hard frost. Cut away any damaged or potentially diseased branches. Flowers form on new wood, so pruning will not hurt your flower yield. Just after the last frosts of the year and before the new growth of spring occurs. Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' PP16988 Looking for a dwarf, easy care evergreen shrub that flowers and provides year long color?