Abutilon megapotamicum

The Abutilon megapotamicum is a vigorous bush, fond of heat and relatively easy to cultivate in open ground in mild climates, or in a pot in cooler climates. Forming a mass of fine arching branches, drooping or climbing if trained, it tirelessly produces curious yellow and red bicoloured flowers that hang from the axil of each leaf on a long peduncle. Evergreen to semi-evergreen depending on the climate, hardy down to -10°C (14°F) in sheltered positions, this generous bush, hailing from tropical and subtropical areas of South America,  perfectly embodies exoticism. 

The Abutilon megapotamicum, also known as the Grand River Abutilon or trailing abutilon, is a bush native to southern Brazil and Uruguay that exists in two forms: a spreading bush whose branches naturally layer, eventually forming a large ground cover or a large vigorous bush composed of slender, arching branches, reaching 2m (6 in 7 ft) in all directions, or more, with relatively slow growth. Belonging to the family Malvaceae, this cousin of lavateras and hibiscus is also a very floriferous plant, undemanding in terms of soil type. Flowering occurs abundantly from June until the first frost. The flowers bloom from the axil of the leaves, suspended on a long peduncle. They are composed of 5 bright red fused sepals, gradually revealing 5 bright yellow petals and prominent purple-violet stamens. The evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage (killed at around -5°C), is composed of alternate, oblong to ovate, cordate-based, light and vibrant green leaves.

Hardier than it seems, the Abutilon megapotamicum is capable of regrowing from the stump after enduring short frosts of around -10°C (14°F), if planted in a very sheltered position, against a south-facing wall for example. It can therefore be planted in open ground,  under these conditions. Elsewhere, it is easily grown in a large pot that can be placed on a terrace from April to October and protected from severe cold in winter. It pairs well with Solanum rantonetti or jasminoides, Sollya heterophylla, Bignonia capreolata, the Black-eyed Susan vine, and other generous climbers with exotic charm but relatively hardy.