The abutilon purple is a stunning addition to any New Zealand garden, revered for its gorgeous bell-shaped blooms that range from deep violet to lavender hues. Abutilon, also known as Flowering Maple or Chinese Lantern, is a diverse genus packed with ornamental flowering shrubs perfect for adding colour and texture to a sheltered garden spot or patio container. Abutilon purple cultivars are especially prized for their vibrant purple flowers, which attract native birds and pollinators while delivering months of colour from early spring through autumn.
Abutilon Hot Pink, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, features showy, bright pink, lantern-shaped flowers. The...
Abutilon megapotamicum, commonly known as Trailing Abutilon or Chinese Lantern, is a graceful shrub with arching stems and distinctive red and yellow...
Abutilon Orange, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Red Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, features showy, bright orange, lantern-shaped flowers...
Abutilon White Gold, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, features showy, white flowers with a yellow centre. This...
Abutilon Lucky Lantern White, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, grows to just 50 cm tall and the same wide, and...
Abutilon 'Halo' is a striking flowering shrub admired for its soft green foliage and masses of glowing apricot orange blooms that appear from spring...
Abutilon Lucky Lantern Orange, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, is a dwarf variety that grows to just 50 cm tall...
Abutilon Lucky Lantern Yellow, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, is a dwarf variety that grows to just 50 cm tall...
Abutilon Red, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Red Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, features showy, intense red, lantern-shaped flowers from...
Abutilon Yellow, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Red Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, features bright yellow, lantern-shaped flowers. This shrub...
Abutilon 'Alba' is a graceful flowering shrub admired for its elegant white lantern shaped blooms and soft green foliage. The delicate flowers hang...
Abutilon 'Ashford Red' is a striking flowering shrub admired for its bell shaped, rich red blooms that appear from spring through autumn. The vibrant...
Abutilon Boule de Neige, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, features elegant, chiffon-white flowers from spring...
Abutilon 'Golden Fleece' is a delightful flowering shrub celebrated for its abundant golden yellow, bell shaped blooms that brighten gardens from...
Abutilon Lucky Lantern Red, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, is a dwarf variety that grows to just 50 cm tall...
Abutilon megapotamicum Variegatum, commonly known as Trailing Abutilon, Variegated Brazilian Bell Flower, or Flowering Maple, bears lantern-shaped...
Abutilon Nabob, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Red Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, is an evergreen shrub renowned for its nodding, deep red...
Abutilon palmeri, commonly known as the Palmers Indian Mallow, is an evergreen shrub with showy, yellow-orange flowers from spring through autumn. It...
Abutilon pictum, commonly known as the Red Vein Indian Mallow or Red Vein Chinese Lantern, features orange, bell-shaped flowers with prominent red...
Abutilon 'Pink' is a charming flowering shrub known for its soft pink, bell shaped blooms that appear from spring to autumn. Its elegant arching...
Abutilon 'Red Emperor', known as Chinese Lantern, Red Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, produces clusters of dark red, bell-shaped flowers from...
Abutilon Roseus is a graceful flowering shrub admired for its elegant rose pink, bell shaped blooms that appear from spring through autumn. The...
Abutilon 'Souvenir de Bonn' is a stunning variegated flowering shrub prized for its soft orange bell shaped blooms and green leaves edged with creamy...
Abutilon striatum, commonly known as the Red Vein Indian Mallow or Red Vein Chinese Lantern, features orange, bell-shaped flowers with prominent red...
Abutilon Thompsonii, commonly known as Painted Abutilon or Chinese Lantern, features salmon-coloured, bell-shaped flowers from spring through autumn...
Abutilon Victor Reiter, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Red Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, features soft orange, bell-shaped flowers from...
Abutilon vitifolium is a quick growing shrub that becomes coated in pale blue flowers in summer. The foliage is dark green and held on slender...
Abutilon 'Voodoo' is a striking flowering shrub admired for its deep crimson red, bell shaped blooms that appear continuously from spring through...
You might be interested in exploring our full range of abutilon or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs and Evergreen Shrubs.
Search abutilon purpleAbutilon purple refers to selected Abutilon varieties bred for rich purple or mauve blossoms. These fast-growing, semi-evergreen shrubs typically reach 1.5-3 metres tall, with graceful arching branches and large maple-like leaves. Their bell-shaped flowers hang delicately from slender stems, creating an enchanting look against lush green foliage. The purple tones beautifully complement other colours in the garden and blend well with companion abutilons such as Abutilon Orange and Abutilon Hot Pink.
Abutilon purple varieties are easy-care and adaptable, thriving in most mild New Zealand climates. Their long flowering period makes them ideal for providing colour when many other plants are not in bloom. They also cope well in pots, making them suitable for balconies and small spaces. As an added benefit, abutilons are loved by bellbirds and tui, bringing a touch of local wildlife into your backyard haven. For more variety, consider pairing with Abutilon White Gold (Chinese Lantern) or the compact Abutilon Lucky Lantern White.
To ensure your abutilon purple shrub flourishes, choose a sunny to partially shaded position, protected from strong winds and frosts. These shrubs prefer rich, well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering during dry spells. Light pruning in spring or after flowering will encourage bushier growth and promote even more blooms. Abutilons can occasionally be affected by aphids or whitefly, so check leaves regularly and treat as needed with eco-friendly sprays.
While abutilon purple varieties provide unique colour, you can further diversify your garden with other spectacular abutilons. Abutilon megapotamicum, known as the Trailing Abutilon, offers pendulous yellow-and-red blooms, perfect for trailing over trellises or walls. If you love strong colour contrasts, mix and match purple varieties with Abutilon Orange or the eye-catching Abutilon Hot Pink.
Incorporating abutilon purple into your garden is an easy way to enjoy vibrant colour, attract native birds, and create a lush, subtropical vibe. Whether you’re starting with a single shrub or building a full collection of Abutilons, these versatile plants are sure to delight for years to come. Browse our wider range of abutilons, including Abutilon megapotamicum and Abutilon White Gold (Chinese Lantern), to find the perfect plants for your New Zealand garden.
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