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A graceful South American beauty, Abutilon megapotamicum is rarely seen growing in gardens here in the UK. Known as the Trailing Abutilon, the long wiry stems are perfect for training up a wall or trellis and drip with buttery-yellow and blood-red, lantern-like blooms, that hang, like bells, with dark clappers. Tending to keep the heart-shaped foliage all year round, the flowers from June to October can be used in salads, cooked or raw, though we have never tried this! Abutilon megapotamicum has received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society for outstanding performance in the garden. Withstanding temperatures to -5°C, Abutilon megapotamicum is hardier than some of the other varieties, although all would appreciate a sheltered sunny spot against a south facing wall. Makes a wonderful conservatory plant during the winter and should continue to flower. Preferring to be grown in loam or sandy well-drained soil in sun, Abutilon will cope with partial shade and reach a height and spread of approximately 2m.
Flower and Foliage Months
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Key Information
| Latin Name | Abutilon megapotanicum |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Trailing Indian Mallow |
| Hardiness | H3 (-1 to -5°C) |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Shrub |
| Format | 9cm Pots |
| Position | Full-Sun |
| Foliage | Semi-Evergreen |
| Height in Maturity (m) | 2.00 m |
| Spread in Maturity (m) | 2.00 |
| AGM | Yes |
| Soil Conditions | Loam Sand |
| Soil Acidity | Acid Neutral |
| Aspect | East-facing, South-facing |
| Drought Tolerant | Yes |
| Good for pots | Yes |
| Good for pollinators | Yes |
