Indian Mallow - Abutilon striatum - Flowering Maple

We currently have 2 flowering maples in 1 Gal containers in stock as of 9/25/24. These are local pickup only. Any orders placed for this item that require shipping will be refunded less a $5 restocking fee.

Flowering maples are a group of tender, evergreen perennials often used as seasonal annuals or houseplants in the Midwest. Sometimes also collectively referred to as Chinese bellflower or Chinese lantern – or just abutilon, flowering maples were popular during the Victorian era, later fell out of favor in the gardening world, but have returned to modern gardens (in and outdoor) in a plethora of forms.

They are upright, branching plants—often with brittle stems—and some varieties have a structure reminiscent of a Japanese maple. They are low growing woody subshrubs that acts as herbaceous perennials in colder climates, supposedly hardy only in zones 9-11, but will survive in some colder areas as long as the plants have excellent soil drainage.
The generally solitary pendent flowers are borne on long pedicels from leaf axils or near the branch tips on the current season’s growth. The lantern-like buds open to cup- or bell-shaped flowers up to 3 inches in diameter.

Many are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Hybrids rarely set fruit, but the species produce hemispherical pods (schizocarps) with multiple segments, each containing a few seeds.

Care: keep about 65 - 70 degrees, with bright filtered light, and water when the top soil feels dry. They like a humid bathroom also. Flowering maple houseplants should be placed in areas of full sun to very light shade in moist, well-draining soil medium. Light shade placement will prevent wilting during the hottest parts of the day. The Abutilon flowering maple tends to get rangy; to prevent this, pinch the tops of the branches in the spring to encourage a more compact habit. Other Abutilon requirements indoors are to water well but avoid overwatering, especially in the winter when the plant is in a dormant phase. Flowering maple may be used as a container patio plant during warm months and then brought in to overwinter as a houseplant. A fast grower in warm climates, the Abutilon flowering maple is generally hardy in zones 8 and 9 and thrives in summer warmth outside and cooler temps of 50 to 54 degrees F. (10-12 C.) in winter. To propagate flowering maple houseplants, use tip cuttings removed in the spring.