Overview
Abutilon pictum is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Abutilon, part of the Malvaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Abutilon pictum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include patio and container plants and flower borders and beds.
About
Abutilon pictum, commonly known as painted abutilon, is a bushy cultivar within the diverse Abutilon genus, which includes evergreen and deciduous shrubs, trees, perennials, and annuals. This semi-evergreen plant thrives in full sun with a south- or east-facing aspect and benefits from a sheltered position. It prefers moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H3, it is suitable for patio and container planting as well as flower borders and beds. Planting is best done after the last frost in fertile soil, with propagation by softwood cuttings in spring.
About the genus
Abutilon is a large genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. General common names include Indian mallow and velvetleaf; ornamental varieties may be known as room maple, parlor maple, or flowering maple.
Wikipedia contributors, "Abutilon", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Abutilon
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Abutilon
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Abutilon pictum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Abutilon pictum
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse whitefly, Glasshouse red spider mite, Mealybugs, Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus (rarely), Virus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Abutilon pictum?
Abutilon pictum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Abutilon pictum need?
Abutilon pictum grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Abutilon pictum hardy in the UK?
Abutilon pictum has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Abutilon pictum?
Softwood cuttings in spring.