Large-leaved Flowering Maple: complete guide

Overview

The Large-leaved Flowering Maple (Abutilon grandifolium) is a magnificent subtropical shrub native to Peru, Brazil, and northern Argentina. This plant is renowned for its large, velvety leaves and its extended season of orange, bell-shaped flowers. In temperate climates, it thrives best in a heated conservatory or protected container.

This Flowering Maple features significantly larger leaves than the common Chinese Lantern. The structure and growth are frost-sensitive, so in northern Europe it remains a container or conservatory plant. For Gardenworld.app users with a greenhouse passion, this is a fantastic tropical accent.

Appearance & bloom

The shrub reaches 1.5-2.5 metres tall in a conservatory, displaying large, heart-shaped leaves up to 15-20 cm wide. The leaves are green, composed of fine hairs giving them a velvety texture.

The flowers are the star: orange, bell-shaped (campanulate), approximately 3-4 cm wide, with red veining. They appear continuously from March to October in a heated conservatory, or May-September outdoors in sheltered locations.

The fruits are small, round capsular fruits with distinctive segments that open when ripe.

Ideal location

In northern Europe, Abutilon grandifolium grows best in:

• Heated conservatory (14-18 degrees Celsius minimum winter)
• Sheltered patio/terrace against south-facing wall (May-October)
• Bright window with indirect sunlight

As a container plant, move outdoors (May-September), but bring indoors before first frost in October. The plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius.

Soil

Use well-draining potting compost, such as 50% peat-free compost and 50% perlite. pH: neutral to slightly acidic (6-7). Good drainage is essential - root rot threatens in waterlogged conditions.

Repot every 2 years in spring into a slightly larger pot (maximum 30-40 cm) using fresh compost.

Watering

During the growing season (March-October), water regularly so the compost remains moist but not waterlogged. In winter (November-February), reduce watering to approximately every 10 days.

Misting helps combat dry air in conservatories, particularly in summer. Ideal humidity level: 40-60%.

Feeding

For continuous flowering, feed with diluted houseplant fertiliser (half-strength) every 2 weeks during the growing period (March-October). Stop feeding in winter.

Pruning

In March, cut back to one-third of growing length for a bushier form and more flowers. Without pruning, the plant becomes tall and spindly.

Remove spent flowers regularly for continuous bloom (deadheading).

Maintenance calendar

• January-February: minimal care, reduce watering, no feeding
• March: prune back, repot into fresh compost, resume feeding
• April-May: move outdoors after frost danger, mist against dry air
• June-September: regular watering and feeding, deadhead spent flowers
• October: bring indoors before first frost
• November-December: minimal care, keep conservatory cooler

Winter hardiness

Not frost-hardy outdoors in northern Europe. Minimum conservatory/indoor temperature: 5-10 degrees Celsius. Frost kills it. Container plant only.

Pests & diseases

• Aphids: spray with insecticide in conservatory
• Whitefly: increase humidity, improve ventilation
• Powdery mildew: improve ventilation, reduce misting

Companion plants

In a conservatory, pairs well with:

• Fuchsia species
• Felicia (blue daisy)
• Lantana camera
• Plumbago capensis
• Ferns

Contact Gardenworld.app for conservatory planting combinations.

Closing

The Large-leaved Flowering Maple brings tropical ambiance to your conservatory or heated space. With regular feeding and pruning, it flowers for many years. Perfect for those who love exotic, self-flowering plants.