Trailing abutilon

Shrub

Abutilon megapotamicum

Trailing abutilon

Also known as: Abutilon vexillarium, Callianthe megapotamica

A graceful, arching wall shrub hung with red and yellow lantern flowers from summer into autumn.

  • Full sun
  • 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
  • 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
  • H3 · Zone 9
  • June–October
  • Semi evergreen
  • RHS Award of Garden Merit

Where to Buy

Buy from Hayloft Plants (Amazon)Buy from Cross Common Nursery (Amazon)

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Overview

This Brazilian flowering maple carries slender stems and small, heart-based leaves, with pendent lantern-shaped flowers - a crimson calyx opening to clear yellow petals with a tuft of purple stamens - blooming over a long season. Grow it against a warm, sheltered wall or in a large container that can be moved under cover for winter; it is happiest where cold, wet soil and hard frost do not combine, since that is what usually finishes it off rather than cold alone.

At a Glance

Sun Full sun
Height 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
Spread 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
Hardiness H3 · Zone 9
Flowers June–October
Soil Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Arching, Trailing
Water Moderate
Maintenance Moderate
Trailing abutilon
Trailing abutilon

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -5°C (23°F)
pH Range 6–7.5
Fertility Average
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • East-facing
  • South-facing

Soil Tolerance

  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH

Foliage

Trailing abutilon
Trailing abutilon
Persistence Semi evergreen
Colour Green
Leaf shape / texture ovate_toothed

Foliage interest: 12 months of the year

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Propagate
  • Flowering Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
  • Foliage 12 months of the year
  • Propagate Apr May Jun Jul Aug

Maintenance Calendar

  • Mar Remove frost-damaged growth and shorten straggly shoots
  • May Tie new growth loosely to its support
  • Jun Apply a balanced liquid feed monthly through summer
  • Jul Take softwood or semi-ripe cuttings as a backup
  • Oct Move containers under cover or fleece wall-trained plants

Garden Design

Works well in: Cottage, Mediterranean, Modern / Contemporary

Tie loosely to a sunny, sheltered wall so the hanging flowers can be seen against the foliage; good drainage matters as much as shelter, since cold, wet winter soil is more damaging than a dry frost.

Companion planting: Mediterranean shrubs, Grasses, Spring bulbs

Wildlife Value

  • Bees
  • Shelter

Safety

No toxic effects are well documented for this species; even so, treat ornamental foliage and seed as inedible.