The Story
Plant Bio
Abutilon megapotamicum is a vigorous, shrubby perennial with attractive, lobed green leaves and delicate, lantern-like flowers with red calyces and yellow petals, blooming freely throughout the warmer months.
This cultivar is distinguished by its compact growth habit and vibrant, long-lasting flowers that add a splash of color to sunny borders and containers.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
60 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
South America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to pets
Bloom period
Mid-summer – Late summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist.
- Place in a sunny spot for optimal flowering.
- Feed with balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season.
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture.
Pro Tip
Ensure good drainage and full sun for vibrant blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to shape and remove dead branches ✂️
- Feed with organic fertilizer monthly
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Overwater causing root rot ❌
- Neglect pruning which can lead to leggy growth ❌
- Use chemical pesticides indiscriminately ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Trailing Abutilon questions
What zones can Trailing Abutilon grow in?
Trailing Abutilon is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Trailing Abutilon deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Trailing Abutilon, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Trailing Abutilon bloom?
Trailing Abutilon typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Trailing Abutilon need full sun?
Trailing Abutilon does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Abutilon to compare
Brazilian Bellflower Chinese Lantern
Abutilon megapotamicum
David's Red Flowering Maple
Abutilon x hybrida 'David's Red'
Voodoo Trailing Abutilon
Abutilon megapotamicum 'Voodoo'
Redvein Abutilon
Abutilon striatum
Flowering Maple
Abutilon theophrasti 'Talini's Pink'
Canary Bird Trailing Abutilon
Abutilon megapotamicum 'Canary Bird'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Trailing Abutilon with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.