Flowering-maple (Abutilon × hybridum)
Discover the vibrant Abutilon × hybridum, or Flowering-maple, known for its seasonal, cup-shaped blooms and maple-like foliage.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Flowering-maple, scientifically known as Abutilon × hybridum, is cherished in gardens for its long season of colorful, pendulous, lantern-like flowers. These semi-tropical shrubs bring bright hues of red, pink, yellow, and white to the landscape, often resembling members of the mallow family with their prominent staminal columns. While hardy outdoors in warmer climates, the compact habit of Abutilon × hybridum makes it highly versatile.
As a broadleaf evergreen, the plant provides consistent foliage interest, often featuring lobed leaves reminiscent of maple leaves, which can sometimes be variegated. Gardeners appreciate the low maintenance requirements when planted in appropriate zones. This versatility allows the Flowering-maple to transition easily from sunny garden borders to decorative containers.
Successful cultivation relies on providing consistent moisture and protection from the harshest afternoon sun, especially in hot regions. For those outside USDA Zones 9-10, treating Abutilon × hybridum as a seasonal annual or overwintering it indoors extends its ornamental value significantly.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Malvaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Native Range: Garden origin
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-4 ft
- Spread: 2-4 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: Red, pink, yellow, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Abutilon × hybridum in rich, medium-moisture, well-drained soils. While it tolerates full sun, plants with variegated foliage perform best when given part shade, specifically morning sun, as intense afternoon sun can cause the foliage to wilt. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist; these hybrids abhor drying out completely.
Watering is crucial for the Flowering-maple; maintain even soil moisture without letting it become waterlogged. To encourage a bushier, stronger habit, especially when establishing younger plants, pinch stem tips regularly. This practice counteracts the naturally weak nature of the stems.
For gardeners in climates cooler than Zone 10, plan to grow the plant as an annual or bring it indoors before the first frost. Overwintering success as a houseplant requires positioning it in abundant, bright, direct sunlight and keeping temperatures relatively cool. Take tip cuttings in late summer to easily propagate new plants to overwinter indoors.
Landscape Uses
The compact size of Abutilon × hybridum at 2 to 4 feet makes the Flowering-maple an excellent choice for defined garden spaces. It shines when used in beds and borders where its continuous seasonal bloom provides reliable color throughout the growing season. These plants are also exceptionally well-suited for upscale containers, window boxes, or as patio accents.
When integrating Flowering-maple into mixed plantings, consider companions that thrive in similar conditions—rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Use them where their colorful bells can be viewed up close, such as near outdoor seating areas or entryways.
In colder zones where they are treated as annuals, they provide excellent seasonal structure in porch settings before being replaced or overwintered. Their low maintenance level means they integrate seamlessly into busy garden plans needing reliable focal points.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Abutilon is a large genus in the Mallow family. Flowering maple (Abutilon × hybridum) is a popular group of hybrids that are semi-tropical, frost-tender shrubs typically growing 8-10’ tall in Zones 9-10 where in may be left in the ground year-round. In colder climates, they will grow more compact (to 2-4’ tall in a single season). Lantern-like buds open to solitary, pendulous, bell- to cup-shaped flowers (to 3” diameter) with five overlapping petals and significant staminal columns typical of the mallow family. Plants bloom throughout the growing season.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Abutilon × hybridum can occasionally face pest challenges, particularly when grown under stress or indoors. Watch out for common sap-sucking pests like whitefly, scale, and spider mites, which can rapidly build up populations on the leaves and stems. Indoors, mealybugs present a persistent risk.
Cultural issues often manifest as foliage problems or root issues. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot, a serious affliction for this plant. Fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot can occur, especially in humid or overly dense plantings. Be vigilant for abutilon mosaic virus, which causes discoloration patterns on the leaves.
Management involves regular inspection, especially of the undersides of leaves, for early detection of pests. Pruning for good air circulation can mitigate fungal risks, and keeping plants healthy through proper watering and feeding strengthens their natural defenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Flowering-maple suitable for?
The Abutilon × hybridum is winter hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 10, where it can be maintained as a perennial shrub.
How large does Flowering-maple grow?
In its ideal perennial zones, the Flowering-maple can reach 8-10 feet, but when grown as an annual or compact container plant outside these zones, expect heights between 2 and 4 feet with a similar spread.
What sun exposure does Flowering-maple need?
This plant prefers full sun to part shade. In very hot summer climates, the best practice is to site the Abutilon × hybridum where it receives morning sun only, protecting it from intense afternoon exposure.
When does Flowering-maple bloom?
Abutilon × hybridum is considered a seasonal bloomer, meaning it flowers consistently throughout the main growing season, offering blooms in shades of red, pink, yellow, and white.
Conclusion
The Abutilon × hybridum, or Flowering-maple, is a highly valuable semi-tropical shrub prized for its continuous display of unique, bell-shaped flowers and attractive foliage. Its low maintenance profile keeps it accessible to many gardeners. Before planting this season, confirm your local hardiness zone compatibility or plan for appropriate container culture and winter protection for your beautiful Flowering-maple.
Companion Planting Potential
When selecting companions for Abutilon × hybridum, focus on plants that share the need for rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. In containers or borders in Zones 9-10, consider using trailing annuals like calibrachoa or petunias to cascade over edges, complementing the pendulous structure of the Abutilon × hybridum blooms.
For mid-level planting, consider shade-tolerant perennials that offer contrasting texture, such as Hostas, provided their moisture needs align. These groupings enhance the tropical feel of the Flowering-maple without competing aggressively for nutrients, allowing both plants to thrive in their preferred sunnier spots.
Propagation Tips
The most straightforward way to ensure you have a consistent stock of your favorite Abutilon × hybridum is through vegetative propagation. Take soft, healthy tip cuttings in the late summer, ideally just before the weather cools significantly or before bringing plants indoors for overwintering.
Cuttings should be about 3 to 4 inches long, stripped of lower leaves, and lightly wounded at the base before being placed in a light, sterile rooting medium such as a mix of peat and perlite or sand. Maintaining high humidity and providing bottom warmth speeds up root development, ensuring vibrant young plants for the following growing season.
