Abutilon pictum Thompsonii (Painted Abutilon)

Highly popular, Abutilon pictum ‘Thompsonii’ (Painted Abutilon) is a vigorous, upright, evergreen shrub or small tree bearing a profusion of showy, salmon-pink, bell-shaped flowers. Resembling Chinese lanterns, they dangle like porcelain earrings from extraordinarily long stalks. Blooming for months from spring to fall (all year long in frost-free areas), they attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The variegated foliage of shiny, maple-like, dark green leaves is speckled with yellow and lines the arching branches.

Highly popular, Abutilon pictum 'Thompsonii' (Painted Abutilon) is a vigorous, upright, evergreen shrub or small tree bearing a profusion of showy, salmon-pink, bell-shaped flowers. Resembling Chinese lanterns, they dangle like porcelain earrings from extraordinarily long stalks. Blooming for months from spring to fall (all year long in frost-free areas), they attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The variegated foliage of shiny, maple-like, dark green leaves is speckled with yellow and lines the arching branches. A desirable Abutilon that is perfect for borders or decorative containers. A long-time favorite for a century or so.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall (180-300 cm) and 4-8 ft. wide (120-240 cm).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in evenly moist, rich, well-drained soils. Water freely in the growing season and sparingly in winter. Provide a sheltered location if grown outdoors. Appreciates afternoon shade in the hottest climates.
  • Perfect addition to beds and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, Mediterranean gardens, or containers.
  • Cut back if needed or pinch the branch tips to make the plant bushier and control its size.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
  • Native to Brazil

Requirements

Hardiness 8
– 10

Heat Zones 1
– 10

Climate Zones 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Abutilon
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 6'
– 10'
(180cm
– 3m)
Spread 4'
– 8'
(120cm
– 240cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden