Abutilon Kentish Belle

Abutilon Kentish Belle is hardier than most abutilon varieties. The long wiry stems are perfect for training up a wall or trellis and drip all summer to autumn with buttery-yellow and blood-red, lantern-like blooms. The flowers look like bells with dark clappers. Commonly known as the Chinese Lantern, also known as the Flowering Maple, Abutilon were a favourite of the Victorians, grown for their long flowering season, lasting May to November. Tending to keep the foliage all year round, the flowers can be used in salads, cooked or raw though we have never tried this. Abutilon Kentish Belle has received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society for outstanding performance in the garden. Withstanding temperatures to -5 C, Abutilon Kentish Belle is hardy, though would appreciate a sheltered sunny spot, or perhaps against a south facing wall. You can grow in a conservatory during the winter and your plant will continue to flower. Preferring to be grown in well-drained soil in sun, Abutilon will cope with partial shade and reach a height and spread of 2.5m.