Flowering Maple

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The abutilon belongs to the Mallow family-like hibiscus and Rose of Sharon-you can see the similarities. Other names for abutilon are Chinese Lantern, Chinese Bellflower, and the Flowering Maple but do not belong to the Maple family. They got their common names because of the shape of their leaves.

I have 5 of these abutilons in my yard. Two of them are pink and are planted in the corner of my yard where the fences come together are the tree-like form. They grow well above my 6-foot fence. These abutilons continue to grow and bloom most of the year, even with our frosty mornings.

I had a white one that was about 5 feet tall, but that was damaged last year by our high winds-so much it bent over with the top leaves laying on the soil and the root ball pulled out. I decided to cut it down and replant the root ball to see if it would survive. I did not think it would work but thought oh well it is worth a try. Boy, am I glad I did replant it, this year it is really blossoming with white bell-shaped flowers. This one is a shrub type.

My other abutilons are red, and I have a variegated one, that loves part shade. The way the flowers hang down like little bells, the hummingbirds love them.

photos 1, 2, 3 by Betty Victor