Abutilon × hybridum
Chinese lantern
An erect, spreading evergreen shrub or small tree to 5m high and 2m wide, with maple-shaped green leaves and bell-shaped flowers, in a range of colours including white, yellow, red or orange, from spring to autumn
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Yellow White Orange | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Red White Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red White Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
Correct
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 softwood cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 9 or pruning group 13 for wall-trained specimens
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
Get involved
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