Abutilon purpurascens

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

Abutilon purpurascens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.4 m (7ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 2.4

Where it is found

Not known

S. America - Brazil.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Flowers - cooked. Used as a vegetable.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires full sun or part day shade and a fertile well-drained soil. Plants are not very hardy in Britain, they tolerate light frosts and so can be grown outdoors in the mildest areas of the country but are best if given a minimum temperature of 10°c over the winter. It is probably best to grow them outdoors in a tub during the summer and overwinter them indoors from October to April or May. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - sow March in a warm greenhouse. The seed germinates in 3 - 4 weeks at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of young shoots in spring. Very easy, they root quickly. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July in a frame. Very easy, they root quickly. Cuttings of mature wood, November in a cold frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. esculentum. A.St.Hill.