Abutilon is sold by more colorful names such as The Flowering Maple and Chinese Lantern. I recently spied this plant used to beautiful effect in a pair of townhouse planters, to give them more height.
PlantTherapy: Chinese Lanterns
This species of Abutilon is from a more tropical region, and will not survive for long once the frost arrives. It is an ideal plant, however, to bring outside in the spring, then enjoy inside throughout the winter months.
A few years ago we bought one at Logee's and we use it in our bedroom window instead of a curtain. It filters the light and provides us with a bit of privacy. It enjoys our east-facing window and the bulbous, cup-like blossoms are a constant presence, like floating lanterns or embers escaping a fire.
matt at apartment therapy dot com
Comments (6)
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I really enjoy all the Plant Therapy postings. Thank you! And, keep up the good work.
view sagesse's profile
Thanks. For years, I've wondered what the proper name of this plant is.
view JonathanB's profile
I've been enjoying the Plant Therapy postings, too. How much sun do Chinese Lanterns need? In other words, do you need a super sunny apartment for them to overwinter inside?
view vera in dc's profile
I have this plant on my patio in a pale pink. It comes in colors ranging from dep red to pink and orange. Even the leaves can be variegated. It also attracts hummingbirds which come and drink the nectar everyday. The only drawback is that I am constantly picking up dead blossoms.
view asiaone's profile
Mine is happy in its window, which faces east and gets sun until about 11:30. I keep it away from the radiator in winter. I agree with asiaone, you will come home and find the blossoms on the floor - I pick mine up whenever I walk by - but I still love it!
view mattplantguy's profile
Be careful with this one - potted they really are beautiful, but if I remember correctly they are non-native and very invasive, so avoid planting them where they will spread.
view LauraII's profile