Abutilon × hybridum Giant Flowering Mixed ('Hybridum Maximum')
Chinese lantern [Giant Flowering Mixed]
An exotic-looking plant with chalice-shaped flowers in many different shades of maroon, orange and salmon. Perfect for pots and containers and can be planted out in the garden, but will need frost protection with fleece in cold areas as they are half-hardy. Alternatively they can be grown as annuals to add colour to summer borders
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Orange Red White Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Red White Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Abutilon can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs, trees, perennials or annuals, with simple or palmately lobed leaves and bell-shaped or bowl-shaped flowers often with conspicuous stamens
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass or indoors in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. When in growth water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter, keeping barely moist. Can be grown outdoors in warmer climates
Propagation
Propagate by seeds or softwood cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly, glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) or a virus
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