Abutilon x suntense
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
Abutilon x suntense is an evergreen Shrub growing to 8 m (26ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. 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
Not known in the wild.
A hybrid of garden origin, A. ochsenii x A. vitifolium.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Flowers - raw. The flowers are up to 6cm in diameter. A mild flavour with a slight sweetness and pleasant mucilaginous texture.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a sunny position or part day shade in a fertile well-drained soil. Dislikes drought. 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. It is probably hardier than either of its parents. 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. Plants grow very rapidly for their first few years and need staking if they are not in a sheltered position. 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. 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. 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. Although this species is a hybrid, seedlings are usually true to type. 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;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist