Abutilon, an indoor maple

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Flowers in white, red, purple, silver pink or yellow open from mid-spring right through to mid-autumn, on plants that may trail, climb or stand as shrubs. Abutilon, the room maple, is a Chilean shrub grown in pots for exotic colour. Keep it above 23°F (-5°C), overwintered somewhere cool and airy, and the spring bloom is even better.

Planting Abutilon

The planting phase of an Abutilon shrub is an important part of the life cycle of your plant because it sets the stage for settling in, growth and blooming.

Planting Abutilon in the open

Preferably in spring for outdoor growing, even if this is only possible in rather warm climate zones.

Abutilon maple shrubs are vulnerable to freezing and to drafty spaces.

• It is only possible to plant Abutilon outdoors in Mediterranean-like climates, in a place sheltered from wind.
• Indeed, they cannot stand temperatures below 23°F (-5°C).
• Well exposed locations are ideal, but not if the sun is scorching.
• They like cool and well drained soil.
• Follow our advice on planting shrubs.

Planting Abutilon in pots or containers

In our regions, Abutilons are particularly well adapted to growing in pots. If so, use a “horticultural” mix designed for indoor plants.

• Bring your Abutilon plants indoors at the start of fall.
• Refer to our guidelines on repotting indoor plants.
• Note that growing Abutilon is in many ways similar to growing Angel’s Trumpets.

Pruning and caring for Abutilon

Pots are perfect for this shrub, but it is necessary to bring it indoors for the winter. Choose a cool and airy place. This will make spring blooming even more beautiful!

• Blooming is generous and lasts for a fair part of the season.
• Water in case of extended dry spell and as soon as the soil is dry for potted plants.
• Add fertilizer from spring to fall to boost and extend blooming.

To enhance the blooming and growth of your Abutilon, prune at the end of winter or start of spring. Never prune more than ⅓ of the stems.

• Remove dead wood.
• Also remove fragile or in-growing branches.
• Clear the inner portion of your Abutilon to let the light reach the center.

Diseases and parasites that attack Abutilon

Many common bugs attack this kind of plant, such as red spider mite or aphids.

• Whitefly is a common pest of indoor plants: tap a shoot and look for a cloud of tiny white insects rising from the leaf undersides, where they cluster and feed.
• Glasshouse red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) builds up fastest in warm, dry air, so keeping a winter room cool, humid and well ventilated slows infestations and can reduce the need for spraying.
• Check the leaf axils for mealybugs and scale, and wipe them off with a cloth dipped in soapy water.
• Inspect the whole plant and treat any pests before carrying the pot indoors, or the infestation spreads to your other houseplants.

All there is to know about Abutilon

Abutilon are very beautiful shrubs that are native to Chile, in South America. They are plants that undeniably bring a touch of exotic colors to any garden.

There are over 120 different species of Abutilon. Some of them look like grasses, others are closer to vines or shrubs. In all cases, flowers are very appealing and, sometimes, leaves are surprising, too.

Together with hollyhock, tree mallow and hibiscus, Abutilon is part of the large mallow family.

Among the commonly grown or interesting cultivars are the following:

• Abutilom megapotamicum, also called Trailing Abutilon – It crawls and even climbs if a lattice is provided. Red-orange flowers and deep green leaves make it a favorite.
• Abutilon hybrids – They boast a nice shrub-like shape. Flowers also appear in a variety of colors from white to red, going through purple, silver pink and even yellow.
• Abutilon pictum – This variety stands out thanks to its leaves dotted with yellow spots. Generally, flowers range in hues centered around orange tints.
• Abutilon striatum or Redvein Indian Mallow – These offer abundant orange to red flowers from spring to fall.
• Abutilon vitifolium – Certainly among the tallest of the Abutilon family. They can climb to at least 20 or 23 feet (6 to 7 meters) tall. Additionally, its purple blooms are a great match to the pastel green leaves!

Which abutilon to choose

The commonly grown abutilons differ mainly in how they grow, in flower colour and in the look of their leaves. Use the table below to match a plant to a pot, a wall or an open bed.

Whichever you pick, a pot lets you move the plant indoors before the cold sets in.

Smart tip about Abutilon

Mulch made from cocoa hulls is perfect for Abutilon. Keeping their base cool favors growth.