Several abutilons can be found happily growing in deep shade at the rear entrance to the Botanical Conservatory. 
Flowering maple (Abutilon spp.) is not really a maple at all, but is a genus of 90 predominantly South American shrubs in the Malvaceae family which might also be referred to as Chinese bellflowers or Chinese lanterns. The small woody shrubs have a tree-like habit and are easily trained. Many are pollinated by hummingbirds. The 2" bell-shaped flowers differ with each variety but generally resemble a cross between a hibiscus and a hollyhock; their colors range from whites through yellows/reds all the way up to the less-common blues. The foliage is usually a pale green, but there are variegated forms with white or yellow mottling. The primary blooming season for most abutilons is spring through fall, but they will often flower periodically through the winter as well.
Flowering maples may grow to ten feet in height and spread, and require filtered sun and fairly consistent 60-70 Fahrenheit degree temperatures. In most parts of the country, Abutilons are considered houseplants — but not so in California! These beauties seem to respond best to early spring pruning, which can help keep the plants from becoming rangy. Because of Davis' intense summer heat, most Abutilons seem to prefer bright dappled or afternoon shade in a sheltered area along with a well-draining but evenly moist soil. Abutilons don't require much additional care in our climate, but should be protected from frost, fertilized monthly, and watched for scale insects. Abutilons can be propagated from seed or softwood cuttings taken at any time of the year.
Three Abutilon species are native to California, but all three are native only in southern California. Indian mallow (Abutilon palmeri) is the one most often available for sale, and it can be grown successfully in Davis.
For a listing of other plants grown in Davis, please visit our Town Flora page.
