Shifting shades
Coming to a nursery near you: the abelia ‘Kaleidoscope,’ one of the new fall releases from horticulture giant Monrovia. The grower produces more than 22 million plants each year, and one of the standouts for the new season is this low-spreading shrub with petite tubular flowers, which open to form shining white stars. Even more striking is dense foliage that shifts with the seasons: yellow hues in spring, deep greens in summer, tinges of orange in the autumn. It’s a versatile choice -- good on slopes or in containers -- but the plant does need sun and water. For more details about the new abelia and a list of local retailers selling it, go to www.monrovia.com.
-- Craig Nakano
