Abutilon megapotamicum
flowering maple
This shrub is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.
- 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. It's ideal for growing against a south-facing wall, but it can also be grown in a large pot and overwintered in the conservatory. - Garden care: Lightly trim back shoots that spoil the symmetry in mid- or late spring. Water freely during the summer months, but keep drier and protect from low temperatures in winter.