How to Prune Kaleidoscope Abelia

Kaleidiscope abelia brightens the landscape with a showy display of color throughout the seasons. Spring foliage appears golden as green leaves are edged in gold, but the edges transform to hues of red and orange by fall. This evergreen shrub produces clusters of tubular flowers in midsummer, and adds interest to the garden all year long. This plant is hardy to zone 6 and thrives in full Sun. Care consists of occasional watering, fertilizing and pruning to improve appearance and promote healthy growth.

Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Remove dead or diseased canes in the spring before foliage appears. Cut canes to the ground level with a pair of sharp pruning shears. This opens the center of the bush allowing air to circulate freely.
- 2
  Trim misshapen branches or branches that cross the center of the bush, to improve the appearance of the plant and to maintain its shape. Cut the branch back to the main branch of the shrub. This allows light to penetrate to the center of the plant and improves aeration.
- 3
  Prune the ends of branches that grow outside the overall shape of the bush at any time to maintain its shape. Cut branches on an angle just above a leaf node. This causes new foliage to grow along the existing branch.
- 4
  Trim upright shoots that grow beyond the shape of the kaleidoscope abelia bush back to main branch. These vigorous shoots grow rapidly, creating a ragged appearance to the shrub.

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