Abutilon megapotamicum Ines - Indian Mallow

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. 

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, 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 S. jasminoides, Sollya heterophylla, Bignonia capreolata, the Black-eyed Susan vine, and other generous climbers with exotic charm but relatively hardy.