Abutilon ochsenii

At a glance

Lifecycle
Perennial (hardy)
Exposure
Full sun
Frost limit
−12.2 °C

Cultivation

Requires a sunny position or part day shade in a fertile well-drained soil. 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 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. This species is closely related to A. vitifolium. Tip-prune young plants to promote a bushy habit, older plants can be cut back hard annually in spring if required. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagation

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.

Edible uses

Flowers - raw[K]. The flowers are up to 5cm in diameter, they have a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a slightly mucilaginous texture[K].

Habitat

Not known

Native range

S. America - Chile.

Same genus