Abutilon Flowering Maple Red

Abutilon chittendenii, commonly known as Chittenden's Abutilon, is a unique and attractive shrub native to Mexico. 

 Plant Description:

- Botanical Name: Abutilon chittendenii

- Common Names: Chittenden's Abutilon, Mexican Shrubby Lantern

- Appearance:

  - Leaves: The foliage is typically dark green and serrated, with a velvety texture.

  - Flowers: Produces lantern-shaped, bright yellow flowers that hang in clusters. The blooms are pendulous and resemble small lanterns or bells.

 Growing Conditions:

- Hardiness: Generally suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It prefers mild to warm climates and may need protection from frost.

- Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, it benefits from some afternoon shade.

- Soil: Well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. It tolerates a range of soil types but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.

- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

- Fertilization: Feed with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.

 Maintenance:

- Pruning: Prune lightly to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches. This can be done after flowering.

- Pest Control: Monitor for pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Treat infestations promptly with appropriate measures.

- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Uses:

- Garden Plant: Ideal for borders, mixed beds, or as a specimen plant due to its unique flowers.

- Containers: Suitable for large containers or pots on patios or balconies, provided it receives adequate sunlight.

- Attracting Wildlife: The bright flowers attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

 Challenges:

- Cold Sensitivity: Protect from frost in cooler climates. It may benefit from being grown in a container and brought indoors during winter in colder zones.

- Watering: Avoid waterlogging, as it can be susceptible to root rot.

 Fun Facts:

- Origin: Native to Mexico, where it grows in subtropical and tropical regions.

- Taxonomy: Belongs to the Malvaceae family, which includes hibiscus and other mallows.

Cultural Significance: Used in landscaping for its ornamental value and unique flowers.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.