Abutilon x hybridum

• Chinese Lantern

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].

This species is only 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]. It is probably hardier than either of its parents^[2]. 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]. Plants grow very rapidly for their first few years and need staking if they are not in a sheltered position^[2]. 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^[2]. 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]. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value^[2][1].

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