Abutilon megapotamicum

Abutilon megapotamicum

Abutilon megapotamicum

Common name:            Flowering maple, Indian mallow

Plant Family:                Malvaceae

Type:                         shrub, evergreen

Growth rate:                     medium,  height x width:  3 x 3 m. (9' 10" x 9' 10")

Growth habit:               arching

Main season of interest:              Summer

Predominant colours:     leaf ~    green

                                flower ~ red & yellow

                                stem ~ brown

Position:                           full sun, partial shade

Soil:                                   dry, moist, pH preference: Neutral, pH tolerance: Any

Hardiness:                        minimum temperature -1°C (30.2°F), USDA Zone 10 to 11

Origin:                              America, South

Description:

Fairly tender shrub with long slender branches and pendant, bell shaped, yellow and red flowers.

Cultivation:

Protect from frost, although new growth may appear from the base if stems have died back. Cut back long stems in spring, as necessary. Prone to attack by whitefly.

Propagation:

By seed or either softwood or semi-ripe cuttings.

Design and Use Notes:

Usually trained against a wall. Can be grown in a container, which makes it possible to move into a conservatory for winter protection.