Abutilons (Abutilon x hybridum) are commonly known as Chinese lanterns, because they have pendulous, lantern-shaped flowers. These beautiful evergreen shrubs grow from 2-3 metres (6-10′) tall, and have attractive, maple-like leaves and a wispy, delicate form. They grow well in most parts of Australia, except for the very cold mountain zones.
Multi-coloured standards
The growth habit of abutilons tends to be very open and leggy, but they can be pruned into standards. They are also being grown and sold as standards with three different plants in the one pot, and the three stems plaited together. When these standards come into flower each ball of foliage is covered with a charming combination of red, yellow and orange flowers.
Further information
Abutilons cost around $16 for plants in 200mm (8″) pots. Standard abutilons cost about $110. Retail outlets which stock standard abutilons include:
NSW BRISBANE
Plant Barn
PO Box 132
Port Macquarie, 2444
Phone: (02) 6581 1819
Parkers of Turramurra
45-47 Tennyson Avenue
Turramurra, 2074
Phone: (02) 9487 3888
Garden Way Nursery
275 Monier Road
Darra, 4076
Phone: (07) 3279 3100
Perrotts Nursery
71 Elkhorn Street
Enoggera, 4051
Phone: (07) 3355 7700
GOLD COAST SUNSHINE COAST
Ashmore Garden World
463 Ashmore Road
Ashmore, 4214
Phone: (07) 5539 1110
Boyd’s Bay Garden World
Rose Street
Tweed Heads West, 2485
Phone: (07) 5536 5869
Manawee Nursery
18 Gloucester Road
Buderim, 4556
Phone: (07) 5445 2406