I love unusual flowers, but feel less attraction to tender plants that must be relocated to the greenhouse for overwintering. Recently, I was drawn to Abutelon (pronounced uh·BYOO·tuh·luhn), also known as Flowering Maple due to its leaf shape or as Chinese Lantern due to its flower shape. Abutelon is hardy in zones 9a to 10b, so this one would likely not make it through the cold months in my zone 8a garden. Yet, the uncommon flowers held a certain appeal. I took two cuttings for an attempt at propagation. If these strike roots, I will move them outdoors next spring and see if my affection lasts through a growing season.
I was surprised to learn that the mature size of Abutelon can be eight feet or more, with a width up to five feet. The stems are weak, allowing the plant to sprawl. Frequent branch tip reduction from pinching back will produce a compact plant with stronger stems. Abutelon prefers full sun to part shade, and a porous but moist soil. It is prone to root rot, and should have a well-draining soil paired with frequent irrigation. It is a heavy feeder, and needs regular applications of fertilizer to look its best.
While the maple-like leaves are attractive and several variegated cultivars are available in nurseries, the unusual flowers of Abutelon are its main attraction. The bell-shaped blooms consist of five overlapping petals that fuse into a single column that terminates in a cluster (stigma) that protrudes outside the petals, resembling Hibiscus or Turk’s Turban. The flowers come in shades of pink, orange, red, or yellow, often with contrasting veins. An acquaintance remarked that the veined flowers look like bloodshot eyes, and now I cannot unsee that.
Plants grow fast and flower on new growth, from spring through fall. If you bring a potted specimen indoors for overwintering, keep it in a sunny window but away from heat sources. It prefers temperatures of 65-75 degrees. Keep an eye out for aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs.
Check out the intricate veining of Abutelon, Flowering Maple.
