Growing Abutilon in pots

Which abutilons to grow in pots?

Container cultivation is well-suited to abutilons, which have non-invasive roots and are sensitive to frost from –5 to –10°C depending on the species. This method of cultivation allows them to be placed outdoors as soon as the nice weather returns and brought back inside to protect them from frost in winter.

There are about 150 species of abutilons that can reach heights between 1 and 5 metres. For container cultivation, prefer smaller, creeping or slow-growing abutilons. You might consider:

• the Abutilon megapotamicum or river abutilon. Very attractive with its bicoloured red and yellow lantern-shaped flowers and heart-shaped leaves, it can reach a height of 2 metres.
• the Abutilon suntense. It produces mauve cup-shaped flowers in May and June, on dark grey-green foliage, and can grow up to 2.75 metres.

Abutilon megapotamicum

Where and when to plant an abutilon in a pot?

• Abutilon thrives in a sunny but not scorching or partially shaded location. Place it in a well-ventilated area, sheltered from the wind.
• Abutilon is planted in April-May. Planting is also possible in autumn in regions with a mild climate.

How to grow an abutilon in a pot?

What type of pot?

Clay pots are preferable because, compared to plastic pots, they allow the soil to be better aerated and the roots to breathe more easily. You can also use a wooden pot or container, which will require a bit more maintenance.

What substrate?

Abutilon prefers cool, well-drained soils. Use a draining substrate made of potting soil and sand.

Planting

• Choose a pot with a diameter of 40 to 70 cm, with a drainage hole at the bottom.
• Place a draining layer of 4 cm thick at the bottom of the pot, made of sand, gravel, or clay balls.
• Cover this draining layer with a mixture consisting of half garden soil, a quarter potting soil, and another quarter compost.
• Install the root ball in the pot, ensuring that the collar of the bush is not buried.
• Fill the pot with the remaining substrate and firm the soil.
• Water well to keep the substrate moist.

Abutilon grown in a pot

How to care for a potted abutilon?

Watering

In spring and autumn, water to keep the substrate moist. In summer, water more abundantly. In winter, water every 10 days, ensuring the substrate does not dry out.

Fertiliser

Abutilon is a hungry plant that appreciates fertiliser. During the growing and flowering period, from spring to autumn, apply flowering plant fertiliser every 15 days. You can also add compost to the surface.

Pruning

• In February-March, prune the abutilon to encourage new growth.
• Remove dead branches and aerate the centre of the branches.
• Prune the stems by one third.
• During the growing season, pinch the tips of young shoots to encourage branching and regularly remove faded flowers to promote flowering.

Training

It is possible to train the abutilon when it has a trailing habit to grow as a climbing plant.

Here, the branches of the abutilon are guided on a trellis.

Repotting

Repotting every year or every 2 years into a larger pot is recommended. Carry out this repotting in spring.

Diseases and pests

The abutilon can be prone to infestations of aphids, lepidopterans, whiteflies, or spider mites. You can treat by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and black soap.
In overly humid conditions, it may develop powdery mildew. Treat with sprays of horsetail decoction or nettle manure.

Wintering

Before the first frosts appear, bring the pot indoors to a bright location at a temperature between 5 and 15 degrees, such as a greenhouse or conservatory.

For more details, you can read our article on wintering abutilon

For further reading

• In addition, discover our complete guide on abutilons, as well as our collection of abutilons!
• And to avoid any failures, we advise you to plant appropriately; feel free to adopt our Plantfit web application!