Abutilon vitifolium

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

Abutilon vitifolium is an evergreen Shrub growing to 8 m (26ft) by 5 m (16ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 8

Where it is found

Open places in warm temperate forests.

S. America - Chile.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Flowers - raw. The flowers are up to 8cm in diameter. A delicious mild flavour with a slight sweetness, they have a pleasant mucilaginous texture and can be eaten in quantity as part of a salad.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, fast to establish and flower from seed and growing best in coastal areas. In hot summer climates it requires partial shade, plus ample humidity and moisture in the growing season. Requires a sunny position or part day shade in a fertile well-drained soil. Dislikes drought. Plants do not like windy conditions. This species is only hardy in the mildest areas of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to between -5 to -10°c when given the protection of a south or south-west facing wall. Plants are often deciduous in cold winters. A deep mulch in winter and tying in growth to the wall will maximise protection in winter. If the plant is cut back by cold weather, it will normally resprout from the base in the spring and can flower on the current year's growth. A plant of the cultivar 'Album', growing in an open position at Westonbirt Arboretum, was 2 metres tall and flowering prolifically in June 1994. Plants tend to be short-lived in Britain, dying suddenly without any apparent cause. This is probably because they flower so profusely that they die of exhaustion. They produce an abundance of fertile seed, however, and this normally breeds true to type, whether from the white or the purple-flowered form. Dead-heading plants to prevent seeding can enhance longevity. Tip-prune young plants to promote a bushy habit, older plants can be cut back hard annually in spring if required. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value. 'Album' has very nice tasting flowers. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Germination should take place within a few weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots. Grow them on for at least the first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of young shoots, June in a frame. Grow on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant out in spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Grow on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant out in spring after the last expected frosts.

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

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Sida vitifolia. Cav. Corynabutilon vitifolium.