Abutilon megapotamicum, Abutilon vexillarium

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Brazilian Bell-flower is a fun and easy-to-grow hummingbird magnet for the perennial border. In the garden or in a hanging container, it spreads to several feet wide in a single season. In the wild, Abutilon megapotamicum reaches 8' tall, but in cultivation arely exceeds 5' tall, and less when grown as a potted plant. During warm months, the plants are laden with cool 2" hanging lantern-like flowers composed of red calyces above the yellow petals, ending with its bright red privates dangling beneath... all carefully arranged between the thumb-sized green leaves.

Abutilon pictum

Abutilon pictum, also known as the Golden Rain Flowering Maple, is a fast-growing tropical flowering shrub that is prized for its speckled, maple-shaped leaves and showy, coral-orange flowers. This striking shrub is a great accent or border plant for areas that don't experience frost, as it can easily be espaliered against a wall. Abutilon pictum Thompsonii, a variety with golden leaf variegation and peach colored flowers with red veins, is an especially showy container specimen and a beautiful addition to any bright patio or indoor location.

Abutilon pictum is native to South America and is grown in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8-10. It requires a warm climate and full sun exposure to thrive, as well as regular watering. This plant produces red, crimson and vinous flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Varieties with yellow and orange flowers are less common. Mature plants are cold hardy, at least for a short time, to temperatures in the high 20's Fahrenheit. In areas where frost is a problem, it is important to provide some protection for the blooms and for the plant during the coldest periods.

When grown in a pot, Abutilon pictum prefers soil that is well-draining, rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. It requires more frequent watering in the hot months, but it is important not to allow the soil to become soggy. When cared for correctly, this vibrant shrub will provide a spectacular show of beauty. In colder growing regions, be sure to use a container, and choose a large pot with plenty of drainage holes. Provide enough sunshine, water regularly, and fertilize with general-purpose compost in the spring. Not only is Abutilon pictum beautiful, but it also provides a wonderful habitat for larger butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. This can be further enhanced by placing the plants in a sunny, ambient environment, and providing them with a reliable water source and some mealworms, which they seem to love!

Abutilon x hybridum

Abutilon x hybridum (Flowering Maple) is a large shrub native to South America that can reach heights of 5-10 feet tall. It has a natural trellis-like shape with maple-like foliage and drooping, lantern-like blooms in white, yellow, pink or red in spring. This plant is a great magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds, and is easy to care for.

Abutilon x hybridum prefers full sun to semi-shade and regular watering. It should be pruned in early spring and pinched tips to keep bushy. It is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11, and mature plants can endure temperatures in the low 30s F for a short time.

For growing Abutilon x hybridum in a pot in cold regions, it is best to move the pot to a sheltered location during the winter months, as the pot will freeze faster than the ground. Make sure to select a large enough pot with plenty of drainage holes and use a soil that provides good drainage. Be sure to check the soil moisture often, as Abutilon x hybridum will need more water during cold temperatures. If the soil dries out too much, the plant may suffer. When temperatures dip below 30 degrees F, it is best to provide a light layer of mulch to protect the roots.

Acacia adoxa

Acacia auriculiformis

Very fast growing, undemanding ornamental and shade tree. Honey-sweet, showy yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies. The plant is amazing in its ability to recolonize waste. Hard to kill. Can grow as much as 6-8 ft per season. Mature trees are medium sized. If you are looking for a fast result, this shade tree is for you. The plant is amazing in its ability to recolonize waste, paper mill sludge; even uranium spoils. This is the only tree found on a 20-year old uranium spoil. Cold hardy to some freeze.