Abutilon 140mm

Abutilon also known as Chinese Lanterns is a long flowering evergreen shrub. It is part of the Malvaceae family and is native to China and South America.

The hybrids, that are mainly seen in gardens, are derived mainly from South American species.

Abutilon flowers during Spring into Summer and at times will spot flower until Winter. The lantern shaped flowers is where the plant gets its common name from. The flowers are hibiscus like and come in a wide variety of colours such as white, yellow (both pale and vivid), orange, tangerine, red and various shades of pink. Flower shapes can vary from being quite tight to very flared and open.

They require a full sun or partial shade position in the garden where some varieties like more morning sun rather than the hot afternoon sun. They are heat and drought tolerant once established.

Abutilon are ideal for a cottage garden, shade garden or planted as part of a border. The dwarf varieties are also excellent container plants and will enjoy cascading over hanging baskets. They will attract birds and butterflies to your garden.