Abutilons

Also called flowering maple, Chinese lantern, Indian mallow
5-7 years life span in general

Light:

• Morning sun preferred
• Will accept dappled sun
• Broader leaf varieties tend to accept more shade
• Smaller leaf varieties accept more sun

Soil:

• Neutral, but they do fine in alkaline soil
• Do best if planted in soil that’s been amended with compost
• Need fairly well-drained soil, but does fine in clay soils that have been amended

Pruning:

• Prune between bloom cycles
• Do not hedge
• Cut back to leaf stem to control shape and size

Fertilize:

• Fertilize monthly in spring and fall. You can use a granular or liquid fertilizer that is high in phosphorous.

Abutilon varieties:

• Bella Red: 2-3′ tall; more open flower form
• Albaflora: 4-5′ tall
• Marilyn’s Choice: 4-5′ tall; sprawling, give them 3-4′ space
• Pink hybrid: 8-10′ tall; woodier form like a small tree
• Patrick’s abutilon: Abutilon pictum Patrick’s’; 8′ tall, glossy leaves

Mallow:

• Lemon rose mallow (Hibiscus calyphyllus)