Horticulture Notebook is a series of quick-reference articles focused on some of the favorite plants among Descanso’s staff and visitors. Each notebook page is a concise study of a plant and a guide to its location in the landscape.

Plant: Abutilon x hybridum
Size: 10’ x 10’ upright growth.
Flowers: Most commonly have upside-down pendant flowers in reds, yellows, whites, pinks and bi-colors.
Season: Evergreen shrub. Flowers are
produced year round.
Provenance: North America, Asia and southern Europe.
Location at Descanso: Rose Garden (north & east fence) Courtyard, Main Lawn.

The genus is comprised of about 100 species of mostly evergreen shrubs from the warmer parts of the world, primarily South America.

More commonly grown, however is abutilon x hybridum, which are the results of the hybridizing efforts of the many species. There are many colors from which to chose, including yellows, reds, pinks, whites, oranges and some bi-colors. The flowers often have dark veining, which is highlighted when sunlight shines through its pendant flowers. The pendant shape of the flower, especially those with orange and red colors, is a favorite of hummingbirds. One plant in the garden will provide enough for multiple feedings. Hummers really love this plant!

These low-maintenance shrubs are valuable additions to landscapes because they can flower year-round. They will succumb to frost, thankfully not a problem in our mild climate. They are happy with full sun or mixed shade, moderate water and minimal fertilizing. Plants grown in dense shade will be leggy with fewer flowers. To promote bushy plants with lots of flowers, pinch back the tips frequently when the plant is young.

The abutilon can be a tricky plant to prune, but if you follow these instructions you can ensure continuous supply of flowers. The abutilon flowers only on the tips of branches. If the entire plant is cut at once, all the flowering tips would be reduced and the plants will need time to reestablish. A solution to this is to cut back half the number of the stems at one time. When these branches reach the point at which they are flowering, go ahead and cut back the other half of the stems. Soon these, too will resprout flower buds. This method may take longer to accomplish your pruning goals, but it will guarantee a continuous supply of flowers for you and the hummingbirds.
Abutilons’ variety of variegated leaf forms are prone to revert back to green leaves, which are more vigorous and will take over the plant. When this happens, simply remove the non-variegated growth to an area on the stem where you see variegated growth.