Abutilon megapotamicum
flowering maple
- 3 litre pot | 60cm cane
- £29.99
- available to order from autumn
Delivery options
- Standard £5.99
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, freely draining
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: June to October
- Hardiness: half hardy (will need protection in winter)
An unusual (and very pretty) addition to a sunny, sheltered garden, this Brazilian shrub has slender arching stems that are clothed in large (to 12cm long) fresh green leaves, and bell-shaped red and yellow flowers, throughout the summer and into autumn. Ideal for growing against a south-facing wall, Abutilon megapotamicum can also be grown in a large pot and overwintered in the conservatory.
To avoid dry conditions, and to ensure good soil contact around the rootball, we advise planting climbers at least 30cm (12in), and preferably 45-60cm (18-24in) away from the base of a wall or fence. An even larger distance should be maintained when planting climbers beside an existing tree or shrub.
In milder parts of the UK, plant in a sheltered, sunny spot protected from cold winds. Make sure the soil is well-drained, and improve heavy soils with grit and organic matter before planting. Water during dry spells and feed monthly in the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser to encourage flowering. Lightly trim back shoots that spoil the symmetry in mid- or late spring. If growing outside in a large pot, ensure plants are protected from wet conditions and frost, or moved indoors during the winter.
When grown in a large pot for a conservatory, use a loam-based compost like John Innes No.3 mixed with some perlite or grit for drainage. Keep the plant in bright, indirect light and water regularly, allowing the top inch of compost to dry out slightly between waterings. Mist occasionally to boost humidity. Trim back leggy growth in spring to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Repot every couple of years in spring to refresh the compost.
In milder parts of the UK, plant in a sheltered, sunny spot protected from cold winds. Make sure the soil is well-drained, and improve heavy soils with grit and organic matter before planting. Water during dry spells and feed monthly in the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser to encourage flowering. Lightly trim back shoots that spoil the symmetry in mid- or late spring. If growing outside in a large pot, ensure plants are protected from wet conditions and frost, or moved indoors during the winter.
When grown in a large pot for a conservatory, use a loam-based compost like John Innes No.3 mixed with some perlite or grit for drainage. Keep the plant in bright, indirect light and water regularly, allowing the top inch of compost to dry out slightly between waterings. Mist occasionally to boost humidity. Trim back leggy growth in spring to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Repot every couple of years in spring to refresh the compost.
