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Description
Abutilon Ashford Red, also known as flowering maple or Chinese lantern, is a beautiful ornamental plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is a hybrid cultivar that is a result of crossing Abutilon darwinii and Abutilon pictum. This plant is native to Brazil and is known for its stunning red-orange flowers that bloom all year round in favorable conditions.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Abutilon |
Appearance
The Abutilon Ashford Red can reach a height of up to 6 feet and a spread of 4 feet. The leaves are dark green, rounded, and deeply veined. The flowers are the main attraction of this plant, with a bright red-orange color and a bell-like shape. They can grow up to 2 inches in diameter and are produced in clusters at the end of long stems. The blooming period can last all year round in warm climates and can be reduced in colder regions.
Care Guide
Abutilon Ashford Red is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:
- Water: Water your plant regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering frequency may vary depending on the climate and the size of the pot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant.
- Sunlight: Abutilon Ashford Red prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce flowering.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Abutilon Ashford Red is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues you may encounter:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause leaf discoloration and webbing. Spray your plant with water to remove them, and use insecticidal soap if necessary.
- Aphids: These pests can cause distorted growth and sticky residue. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can cause root rot. Make sure to plant your Abutilon Ashford Red in well-draining soil and water it properly.
Habitat
Abutilon Ashford Red is native to Brazil, where it grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers warm temperatures and high humidity, but it can also tolerate some drought. This plant can be grown outdoors in hardiness zones 9 to 11 or indoors as a houseplant.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Abutilon Ashford Red?
A: Water your plant regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering frequency may vary depending on the climate and the size of the pot.
Q: Can Abutilon Ashford Red be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Abutilon Ashford Red can be grown indoors as a houseplant. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Q: How tall can Abutilon Ashford Red grow?
A: Abutilon Ashford Red can reach a height of up to 6 feet and a spread of 4 feet.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Abutilon Ashford Red?
A: Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
Related Plants
- Abutilon megapotamicum
- Abutilon hybridum
- Abutilon darwinii
- Abutilon pictum
References
- “Abutilon Ashford Red,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed August 31, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=292877.
- “Abutilon Ashford Red,” Plant Care Today, accessed August 31, 2021, https://plantcaretoday.com/abutilon-ashford-red.html.
- “Abutilon Ashford Red,” Gardening Know How, accessed August 31, 2021, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/abutilon/abutilon-ashford-red.htm.
