Decorative lanterns for sunny situations
BY LYNDA PAPESCH
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Home and Garden
Chinese Lanterns or abutilons are closely related to hibiscus, and most of the hundred or so species have pendulous, hibiscus-like flowers.
Part of the abutilon genus, which is turn a member of the mallow or malvaceae family, Chinese lanterns grow best in full sun or light shade, with watering during dry spells.
The genus includes annuals, perennials, shrubs, and small trees which produce five-petalled flowers, mostly red, pink, orange, yellow or white and sometime variegated.
Common names include Abutilon, Chinese Bell Flower, Chinese Lantern, Mallow, Indian Mallow, and Flowering Maple.
Several new compact varieties are available, such as the one pictured here.
They are sturdy evergreen shrubs with maple-like leaves and an open, pendulous habit, flowering from spring through summer. Flower colours include white, pink, red, yellow, orange and salmon.
Dwarf shrubs grow to about 1.2 metres high and grow well in most parts of New Zealand, thriving when well watered and in full sun to lightly shaded areas.
Plants featured in this column are available from Marlborough Mitre 10 Mega.
TIPS
Light prune towards the end of winter in frost-free gardens.
Leave until early spring in frost-prone areas.
Can be grown from cuttings or seed.
Plant in full sun or light shade.
Don't let roots get too dry.
Use as filler shrub or even hedging.
Fast growing; mature in two seasons.
- The Marlborough Express
