Abutilon

Abutilon, also called ‘Chinese Lantern’ or ‘Flowering Maple,’ is a type of tropical to sub – tropical plant. Hardy to USDA zones 10 – 11. in cooler climates, it is grown as an annual or an indoor plant. Size also varies, and Abutilon can be a shrub measuring no more than 2 feet, or a tree – like specimen as large as 10 feet. It has attractive blooms, which start out as small lantern – shaped buds that open to large, dangling, cup – shaped flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and red. In hot Florida climates, they prefer to be planted in more shade. They also do best with regular watering, but cannot tolerate wet feet.