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

  

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