Abutilon is a genus of broad leaf evergreens in the mallow family of Malvaceae, comprising about 150 species. This genus is found in the tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America. This genus includes annuals, perennials, shrubs and small trees. It is also known commonly as Abutilon, Chinese Bell Flower, Chinese Lantern, Mallow, Indian Mallow, and Flowering Maple(for the maple-like leaves of some species, though not related to the true maples).
Abutilon is a popular garden plant in subtropical regions. The plant, 1-10 m tall, has leaves that are alternate, unlobed or palmately lobed with 3-7 lobes. The flowers are conspicuous, five-petaled, and come in red, pink, orange, yellow or white color. Flowering usually starts in early summer and may continue throughout winter.
Abutilon x hybridum is a hybrid shrub in the genus Abutilon. It is commonly known as Chinese Lantern. Abutilon x hybridum is a popular group of hybrids that are semi-tropical, frost-tender shrubs. The plants are typically 2-3 m tall, with leaves that are lobed, maple-like, light green and often variegated with white and yellow. Its lantern-like buds open to solitary, pendulous, cup-shaped to bell-shaped, five-petaled flowers. The flowers come in red, pink, yellow, white and pastel shades, and are up to 8 cm in diameter. The flowers have significant staminal columns typical of the mallow family.
Abutilon is suitable for beds, borders, pots, window boxes or containers. Sow seeds indoors in late winter and set out seedling plants after late frost date. Abutilon species are food plants for larvae of some Lepidoptera (Moths and butterflies) species including Yellow-banded Skipper and Chionodes mariona. Yellow-banded Skipper feeds exclusively on A. avicennae.
Pest and diseases are scale insects, mealy bugs, and redspider mites.
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