Abutilon hybridum

 

  Chinese Lanterns

  Family: Malvaceae

  Origin: Native to South America

Hardiness: Hardy to 25 degrees; Zones 9b and 10
Growth: Rapid growth to 8-10 feet
Form: Upright branches tend to form a mound
Leaves: Lobed like a maple; some are variegated
Flowers: Pendulous, bell shaped; white, yellow, red; esp in spring
Exposure: Full sun on coast, part shade inland
Water: Likes to be moist; water weekly
Soil: Moist, organic
Fertilizer: Acid food and iron spring, summer and fall
Prune: Pinch back for density
Problems: Snails; whitefly, scale, aphids

Valued for showy flowers in many colors. Does well as an espalier against a fence or house. Can be trained as a standard as well.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to Garden California Home Page

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