Abutilon 'Canary Bird'

RHS Plant Profile
abutilon 'Canary Bird'
abutilon 'Canary Bird' RHS 1999
Award of Garden Merit
Conservatory Greenhouse Shrubs

A large evergreen shrub to 3m in height, with maple-like leaves and nodding, bell-shaped lemon yellow flowers 6cm in length over a long period from spring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Malvaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Abutilon can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs, trees, perennials or annuals, with simple or palmately lobed leaves and bell-shaped or bowl-shaped flowers often with conspicuous stamens
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass or indoors in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. When in growth water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter, keeping barely moist. Can be grown outdoors in warmer climates

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 9 or pruning group 13 for wall-trained specimens

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) or a virus