Exploring the Diverse Types of Abutilon Plants

Abutilon also known as flowering maple is a beautiful ornamental plant grown for its stunning blooms and attractive foliage. With over 150 species, there is an abundance of diversity within the Abutilon genus. This guide will explore some of the most popular types of abutilon plants available to help you select the best varieties to enhance your garden.

Abutilon are tender perennials that belong to the mallow family, Malvaceae. Most species are native to subtropical and tropical regions of South America. These versatile plants can be grown outdoors in warm climates indoors as houseplants or as annuals in colder regions.

Abutilon are prized as ornamentals for their mesmerizing bell-shaped blooms and unique palmate, maple-like leaves. Flowers come in a wide spectrum of colors including red, orange, yellow, pink, white and multi-colored combinations. The stunning blooms last up to a week on the bush.

With proper care, most abutilon varieties will bloom spring through fall in favorable conditions, providing gardeners with months of eye-catching color. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular types of these exceptional flowering plants.

Trailing or Cascade Abutilon

Trailing abutilon feature long, cascading stems that give them a beautiful weeping habit. These types are ideal for hanging baskets and container gardens where they can gracefully spill over the edges. Some popular trailing varieties include:

• A. megapotamicum – Also known as trailing flowering maple, this species has slender stems with small, nodding blooms in shades of yellow, orange and pink.

• ‘Kentish Belle’ – A lovely A, megapotamicum cultivar with dainty flowers of pink and yellow

• ‘Moonchimes’ – Features larger, pendulous blooms of yellow and rose-pink on long, weeping stems.

• ‘Savitzii’ – Striking variegated leaves in green, cream and pink paired with apricot-colored blooms.

Trailing types can also be striking in outdoor garden beds, patios and along walls where the cascading stems can freely spill over the edges.

Compact or Dwarf Abutilon

Compact abutilon varieties are densely branched, low growing types ideal for smaller spaces like garden beds and patio containers. They also work beautifully as edging plants, along walkways or in groupings for greater impact. Some top compact selections include:

• Bella Series – Very floriferous hybrids that stay under 2 feet tall. Choose from shades like red, orange, yellow and pink.

• Tangerine – Vivid tangerine-orange, ruffled blooms on a mounded 12-18 inch plant.

• ‘Souvenir de Bonn’ – Salmon-pink flowers and variegated foliage on a petite, bushy plant reaching just 1 foot tall and wide.

• ‘Nabob’ – Classic red bells on a dwarf 10 inch plant perfect for combination containers.

Vining Abutilon

Some abutilon species feature long, vining growth more similar to a vine than a shrub. These types make stunning displays when trained up trellises, arbors, fences and more. Popular vining varieties include:

• A. megapotamicum ‘Variegatum’ – Beautiful green and yellow marbled leaves paired with trailing orange blooms.

• ‘Golden Fleece’ – Features large, golden-yellow bells along vigorous 10 foot vines.

• ‘Austri’ – Vining abutilon with eye-catching bicolor blooms in red and yellow. Grows 6-10 feet long.

Large Flowering Abutilon

For maximum floral impact, look for abutilon cultivars prized for producing extra large blooms on a typical shrubby, upright plant form. Some top picks include:

• A. x hybridum ‘Thompsonii’ – Huge 6-8 inch flowers in shades of orange, red, pink, yellow and white on plants up to 5 feet tall.

• ‘Las Vegas Bells’ – Pendulous, 4 inch wide orange bells on a 5-7 foot plant. Blooms spring to fall.

• ‘Moonchimes’ – Produces some of the largest bell-shaped blooms up to 5 inches long in pink and yellow colors.

Multicolor Flowering Types

One of the allures of abutilon is the wide range of flower colors available. Some varieties push the boundaries even further by featuring blooms with multiple hues. These include:

• ‘Rosemere’ – Gorgeous pink and yellow bicolor on compact, rounded plants.

• ‘Austri’ – Red and yellow bells dangle from vigorous vines.

• ‘Tangerine’ – Ruffled blooms in sunset tones of orange, coral and yellow.

• ‘Marion’ – Unique white blooms heavily speckled in deep pink. Trailing growth habit.

The mesmerizing, multicolored blooms of these abutilon varieties provide an extra dose of visual excitement in the garden.

Variegated Foliage Types

In addition to diverse flower forms and colors, some abutilon also feature stunning variegated foliage. The eye-catching leaves display various combinations of green, yellow, cream and pink. Popular varieties include:

• ‘Souvenir de Bonn’ – Green leaves generously splashed and edged in white with salmon-pink blooms.

• ‘Savitzii’ – Dramatic green, white and pink variegated leaves paired with apricot bell-shaped flowers.

• A. pictum ‘Thompsonii’ – Large leaves prominently splashed and dotted with yellow and cream. Features red-orange blooms.

There are countless beautiful abutilon varieties to choose from for your garden. When selecting plants, consider factors like mature size, growth habit, flowering traits and foliage interest. With the proper care, abutilon are sure to reward you with gorgeous blooms and fascinating foliage.

Growing and Caring for Different Abutilon Types

While most abutilon have similar care needs, providing the appropriate growing conditions maximizes health and flowering for the different types.

Light Requirements

• Trailing types thrive in bright, indirect light indoors and full sun to partial shade outdoors.

• Compact and dwarf varieties need full sun for the strongest growth and maximum blooms.

• Larger types appreciate afternoon shade in hot climates. Variegated varieties need partial shade to prevent leaf scorch.

Watering and Feeding

• Allow soil to partially dry between waterings. Water more frequently in extreme heat.

• Feed monthly during growth season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Pruning and Training

• Prune long shoots of trailing types in spring to encourage bushiness.

• Prune tall or leggy growth on dwarfs and compact types for shape.

• Train vines onto supports and prune lightly to direct growth.

• Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming.

With proper selection, care and pruning, there is an abutilon to meet the needs of virtually any garden space or design! Explore the many types to find your perfect match.

Tips for Growing Abutilon in Containers

The versatility and diversity of abutilon makes them ideal candidates for containers. Follow these tips for success:

• Select compact, dwarf and trailing varieties for container planting. Avoid large shrub types.

• Use a quality commercial potting mix and provide excellent drainage.

• Plant in containers at least 10-12 inches deep. Give adequate root room.

• Provide full sun to partial shade depending on variety.

• Water when soil surface is dry. Fertilize monthly during growth.

• Prune lightly to control shape. Remove spent blooms. Overwinter indoors in cool climates.

With the right abutilon variety, proper planting, and attentive care, containers will erupt in magnificent color from spring through fall!

Final Thoughts

When it comes to versatility, diversity and beauty, few plants can compare with Abutilon. With entrancing flowers, stunning variegated foliage, and a diverse range of sizes, habits and growing requirements, there is truly an Abutilon for every garden situation. Do some research, select the perfect types for your needs, and be prepared to enjoy a breathtaking display in your garden.