Wow! That is beautiful, but I see the only nurseries listed are Tallahassee, so will it grow this far south? Hoping someone is growing it and will report. Thanks for the link.

Ginny

Oh, it's being sold all over the place around here, Ginny. Sorry, I didn't make that clear. I've already bought one and want more, but it's new in my garden, and I just thought I'd see who else has tried it, if anyone.

It is just gorgeous, and I sure hope it lives up to all the hype. Mostly, I hope it doesn't FREEZE on me next winter.

Marcia

Where is it being sold, Marcia? I have two large abelias, the ones with white flowers. I was told they attract hummingbirds. They don't, but the butterflies and bees love them. I am being tempted by the Abelia Shumannii Bumblebee, that is advertised by Bluestone Perennials.

Since my garden was so hard hit by the freezes I'm looking for more cold-resistant plants. The abelias that I have weren't bothered by the cold at all.

Tom

Marcia, I haven't seen this plant! Beautiful! I second the question--where is it being sold???

Hi, Tom! Hi, Beachie! I got mine at a nursery on 46 called Moreno's. It used to be Fairfield Farms, and is just a bit west of I-4 on SR46. He said they are being used extensively in landscaping this season, as many people want to replace the more cold sensitive durantas. I'd ask at nearby nurseries to see if they have any, or if they can order some for you. It is really, REALLY pretty, and it said on the tag that it attracts "an amazing variety of butterflies." Probably bees, too, since abelias in general are known for that. Though this sure doesn't look like your typical abelia.

Tom, I will be checking out your bumblee one. Sounds cool to me. I love my bumblies!

Good luck in your search!! Maybe 46 isn't too far for you guys?

Marcia

Just wanted to warn anyone looking for this plant at Lukas Nursery...they have a whole bunch of abelia labeled Kaleidoscope that aren't. It isn't THEIR label...it's the label straight from Monrovia Plants. But it's NOT Kaleidoscope. It's a more "regular" looking type of abelia, perhaps "Edward Gaucher," or the like. A nice plant in its own right, but nothing whatsoever like Kaleidoscope.

I went back to Moreno's today and picked up another one. I just LOVE this plant and hope it performs as well as it is being touted.

Marcia

Oooooo, I want one or two! Anyone know where I can get one in Pinellas/Pasco?
Julie

Julie, you might check on the website and see if they list nurseries they ship to. Good luck! If not, I happen to know that my nursery just got in 400 more. I picked up a second one the other day. I'm LOVING the bright color, even without flowers and without the fall reds and oranges. It really stands out against darker plants, like my loropetalum. So many things it would be pretty with!

You could also share the info with your favorite nursery, and see if they are interested in ordering some. Or take a drive up to Moreno's in Sanford. Hehe.

Marcia

How much does it cost and is it available in a 3 gallon size?

I just got an email from Kerby's Garden Center in Brandon that they have Abelia Kaleidoscope. What should I look for to determine if it is true kaleidoscope and not some other var?
Carol

I wonder if it will even bloom down here in 9b/10a? I brought an abelia with me from SC, and it finally died. Nematodes got it. It never bloomed, because it didn't get cold enough.

Hi we have the kaleidoscope here at the greenery of tampa bay located in land o lakes fl 813 996 9821

It is listed as zones 6-9. Some sites says sun to mostly sun and others say light shade.