About
Abutilon megapotamicum 'Variegatum' is a semi-evergreen, half-hardy shrub characterized by its arching branches and ovate leaves, which feature a mix of green and golden yellow variegation. The leaves are lobed and heart-shaped at the base. From summer through to the first frosts, it produces pendant, bell-shaped flowers measuring 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter, showcasing a crimson-red calyx and yellow petals. This plant is suitable for use in beds and borders, as well as in pots and containers, thanks to its trailing growth habit.
About the genus
Abutilon encompasses a variety of growth forms, including evergreen and deciduous shrubs, trees, perennials, and annuals. The foliage can be either simple or palmately lobed, and the flowers are typically bell-shaped or bowl-shaped, frequently featuring prominent stamens.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Bedding, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Trailing
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow as an indoor or conservatory plant or outside as summer bedding in a sheltered position
- Pruning
- Pruning group 9
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in spring at 15ºC to 18ºC, or by softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly, glasshouse red spider mite, aphids, mealybugs and scale insects
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) or a virus