Abutilon species

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. This species is a hybrid, so the seedlings will not be true to type.

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.

Requires a sunny position or part day shade in a fertile well-drained soil^[1]. Dislikes drought^[1].

All members of this genus have edible flowers - the leaves will also be edible but in our experience although they have a mild flavour the texture is not that pleasant. There has been much hybridisation within the genus by growers wishing to produce ornamental flowering plants and it is now rather difficult to assign species names for many of these cultivars. Consequently, this entry has been used to cover a range of hybrid forms of complex parentage involving several species but especially A. megapotanicum and A. pictum. Several cultivars are hardy in the mildest areas of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c when given the protection of a south or south-west facing wall^[2][1]. Plants are often deciduous in cold winters^[3]. 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^[4]. 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 as new growth commences in late winter or early spring if required^[1].

Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus^[1].