We only sell freshly harvested seeds from small time growers, hobbyists and collectors.
Listing is for 5 Seeds
Spectacular-looking, Abutilon striatum (Red Vein Indian Mallow) is an evergreen shrub bearing a profusion of showy, orange, bell-shaped flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with prominent crimson veining. Resembling Chinese lanterns, they dangle like porcelain earrings from extraordinarily long stalks. Blooming for months from spring to fall (all year long in frost free areas), they attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers are edible, raw or cooked, with their sweet flavor increasing as they mature. The foliage of shiny, maple-like, dark green leaves lines the strongly upright branches. A desirable Abutilon that is ideally suited to growing as a wall shrub, espalier or in decorative containers.
Abutilon pictum is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 16 feet (5 m) tall and 6 feet (1.8 m) wide. Leaves are 3- to 5-lobed and up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. Flowers are bell-shaped, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long, yellow to orange-red with prominent dark red veining and five petals. They appear from April to September.
Abutilon is not an especially difficult plant to grow. However, they are sometimes affected by spider mites and are known for leggy growth during warmer, dry winters. To encourage bushy growth, prune the plant by 25 percent to 40 percent in the late winter, right when new growth is about to start. Also, occasionally pinch off new growth throughout the summer to encourage healthy growth. When pruning, ensure to stagger your cuts and remove some large branches to open the plant's canopy. As a final note, these plants dislike acidic soil, so adding more lime to your potting mix is unnecessary. Instead, stick with the basic peat-based potting soil and make sure to refresh it as the mixture decomposes and becomes more acidic over time.
Abutilon is a relatively fast-growing plant, especially when they're young. Consequently, younger plants might need to be repotted twice a year, once at the beginning of the growing season and once in the middle. Older plants, however, benefit from being slightly pot-bound, so they should be repotted either every other year or yearly into only slightly larger pots. Pot-bound plants tend to grow more vigorously and bloom better.
A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in evenly moist, rich, well-drained soils. Provide a sheltered location if grown outdoors. Appreciates afternoon shade in hottest climates.
Red Vein Indian Mallow, Redvein Abutilon, Redvein Flowering Maple, Red Vein Chinese lanterns, Abutilon pictum, Sida picta, Abutilon striatum, Abutilon pleniflorum, Abutilon pseudostriatum, Abutilon thompsonii, Abutilon thompsonii, Abutilon venosum, Sida striata
