Abutilon × suntense
| Abutilon × suntense | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 26' |
| Width: | 16' |
| Speed: | Fast |
| Blooms: | Late Spring-Early Summer |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
Abutilon × suntense
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[1]. 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[2].
Cuttings of young shoots, June in a frame[1]. 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[1]. Grow on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant out in spring after the last expected frosts.
Cultivation: Requires a sunny position or part day shade in a fertile well-drained soil[1]. Dislikes drought[1].
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[3][1]. It is probably hardier than either of its parents[3]. Plants are often deciduous in cold winters[4]. A deep mulch in winter and tying in growth to the wall will maximise protection in winter[1]. 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[5].
Plants grow very rapidly for their first few years and need staking if they are not in a sheltered position[3].
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[3]. Dead-heading plants to prevent seeding can enhance longevity[1].
Tip-prune young plants to promote a bushy habit, older plants can be cut back hard annually in spring if required[1].
There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value[3][1].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.[1]
Range: A hybrid of garden origin, A. ochsenii x A. vitifolium.
Habitat: Not known in the wild.
Edibility: Flowers - raw[K]. The flowers are up to 6cm in diameter[4]. A mild flavour with a slight sweetness and pleasant mucilaginous texture[K].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Grey-Wilson, Christopher and Victoria Matthews. Gardening on Walls. Collins, 1983.
- ↑ Davis, Brian. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking, 1990.