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purple abutilon

Purple abutilon is a striking addition to any New Zealand garden, celebrated for its elegant bell-shaped blooms in velvety shades of purple. This vibrant plant, sometimes referred to as the flowering maple, offers not only captivating flowers but also lush, soft foliage that brings structure and colour to mixed borders, containers, and even sheltered courtyard gardens. With a long flowering season from spring into late autumn, purple abutilon is well-suited to our temperate climate and brings effortless charm to coastal gardens, cottage beds, and subtropical landscapes.

Abutilon megapotamicum red and yellow flower.

Abutilon megapotamicum

5 from 1 customers

Abutilon megapotamicum, commonly known as Trailing Abutilon or Chinese Lantern, is a graceful shrub with arching stems and distinctive red and yellow lantern shaped flowers. Blooming from spring to autumn, this variety adds elegance and colour to NZ gardens.

From $22.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Spring, Autumn, Winter
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical
acer-nigrum-

Acer platanoides Nigrum

Acer platanoides 'Nigrum' is a striking deciduous tree valued for its large deep purple foliage and impressive shade creating canopy. The richly coloured leaves emerge dark and maintain their dramatic appearance through the growing season before developing warm autumn tones.

From $299.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 15.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese
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Fraxinus 'Purple Spire'

Fraxinus 'Purple Spire' is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its upright narrow habit and outstanding autumn foliage that develops rich purple...

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A large Phormium 'Dark Delight' plant with elegant, purple foliage.
Phormium 'Dark Delight'

Phormium 'Dark Delight', also known as Dark Purple Flax, is a bold New Zealand native flax prized for its broad, upright leaves in deep purple to...

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Acaena inermis purpurea with small purple leaves.
Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

Acaena purpurea, commonly known as Purple Bidibidi, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover admired for its striking purple foliage and creeping...

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Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

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Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'

The Purple Fountain beech is a variety of European Beech tree that features colourful foliage and weeping branches. The glossy leaves emerge deep...

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Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' flower cluster.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Royal Hawaiian Purple'

Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' is a stunning evergreen climber prized for its thick glossy foliage and clusters of richly coloured star shaped flowers...

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Abutilon 'Souvenir de Bonn' orange flower with variegated green and cream foliage.
Abutilon 'Souvenir de Bonn' (Flowering Maple)

Abutilon 'Souvenir de Bonn' is a stunning variegated flowering shrub prized for its soft orange bell shaped blooms and green leaves edged with creamy...

OUT OF STOCK
Beautiful yellow flowers of abutilon plant.
Abutilon 'Yellow'

Abutilon 'Yellow' is a cheerful flowering shrub prized for its bright yellow bell shaped flowers and long blooming season. The colourful blooms hang...

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abutilon-megapotamicum-variegatum-3
Abutilon megapotamicum 'Variegatum'

Abutilon megapotamicum 'Variegatum' is a colourful evergreen shrub admired for its cream and green variegated foliage and elegant pendulous flowers...

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Abutilon 'Thompsonii'

Abutilon 'Thompsonii' is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its beautifully variegated green and yellow foliage and pendulous orange bell shaped...

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Abutilon vitifolium

Abutilon vitifolium is a spectacular flowering shrub admired for its large soft lavender flowers and attractive velvety foliage. Flowering through...

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Pink flowers on Abutilon 'Roseus'.
Abutilon Roseus (Flowering Maple)

Abutilon Roseus is a graceful flowering shrub admired for its elegant rose pink, bell shaped blooms that appear from spring through autumn. The...

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A stunning Abutilon Halo flower in yellow and red, delicately hanging from a tree.
Abutilon 'Halo' (Flowering Maple)

Abutilon 'Halo' is a striking flowering shrub admired for its soft green foliage and masses of glowing apricot orange blooms that appear from spring...

OUT OF STOCK
Abutilon 'Voodoo' dark red flowers.
Abutilon 'Voodoo' (Flowering Maple)

Abutilon 'Voodoo' is a striking flowering shrub admired for its deep crimson red, bell shaped blooms that appear continuously from spring through...

OUT OF STOCK
Abutilon 'Golden Fleece' yellow flowers with lush, green foliage.
Abutilon 'Golden Fleece' (Flowering Maple)

Abutilon 'Golden Fleece' is a delightful flowering shrub celebrated for its abundant golden yellow, bell shaped blooms that brighten gardens from...

OUT OF STOCK
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Abutilon 'Victor Reiter'

Abutilon 'Victor Reiter' is an outstanding evergreen shrub renowned for its large rich orange bell shaped flowers that are carried over a long...

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Abutilon 'Alba'

Abutilon 'Alba' is a graceful flowering shrub admired for its elegant white lantern shaped blooms and soft green foliage. The delicate flowers hang...

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Abutilon palmeri shrub with yellow-orange flowers and green foliage.
Abutilon palmeri

Abutilon palmeri is a drought tolerant evergreen shrub valued for its soft silver grey foliage and cheerful golden yellow cup shaped flowers that...

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Abutilon pictum orange and red flower.
Abutilon pictum

Abutilon pictum is a fast growing evergreen shrub prized for its attractive maple like foliage and showy pendulous orange flowers highlighted with...

OUT OF STOCK
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Abutilon 'Nabob'

Abutilon 'Nabob' is an evergreen flowering shrub renowned for its large, pendulous deep crimson red flowers that bloom over an extended period. Its...

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Abutilon 'Pink' flower.
Abutilon 'Pink' (Flowering Maple)

Abutilon 'Pink' is a charming flowering shrub known for its soft pink, bell shaped blooms that appear from spring to autumn. Its elegant arching...

OUT OF STOCK
Aabutilon 'Ashford Red' red flower with green foliage.
Abutilon 'Ashford Red' (Flowering Maple)

Abutilon 'Ashford Red' is a striking flowering shrub admired for its bell shaped, rich red blooms that appear from spring through autumn. The vibrant...

OUT OF STOCK
abutilon-boule-de-neige--1
Abutilon 'Boule de Neige'

Abutilon 'Boule de Neige' is an elegant evergreen shrub renowned for its pure white pendulous bell shaped flowers that bloom over an extended season...

OUT OF STOCK
Mangave 'Purple People Eater' plant with purple leaves.
Mangave Purple People Eater

Mangave Purple People Eater is an impressive succulent that features a rosette of thick, purple leaves with a blue-green undertone. They are leathery...

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Abutilon striatum (Red Vein Indian Mallow)

Abutilon striatum is a fast growing evergreen shrub admired for its pendulous orange to red bell shaped flowers with distinctive darker veins...

OUT OF STOCK
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Abutilon 'Orange'

Abutilon 'Orange' is a vibrant flowering shrub admired for its masses of glowing orange bell shaped flowers and long blooming season. The colourful...

OUT OF STOCK
abutilon-lucky-lantern-red-
Abutilon 'Lucky Lantern Red'

Abutilon 'Lucky Lantern Red' is a compact evergreen shrub celebrated for its vibrant lantern shaped red flowers that bloom continuously through the...

OUT OF STOCK
Aubrieta 'Purple Cascade' plant covered in purple flowers.
Aubrieta 'Purple Cascade' (Purple Rock Cress)

Aubrieta 'Purple Cascade' is a beautiful low growing perennial that produces masses of vivid purple flowers in early spring. The colourful blooms...

OUT OF STOCK
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Abutilon 'White Gold' (Chinese Lantern)

Abutilon 'White Gold' is a beautiful flowering shrub admired for its elegant pale yellow to creamy white bell shaped flowers that appear over an...

OUT OF STOCK
Buddleia 'Royal Purple' purple flower spike.
Buddleia 'Royal Purple'

Buddleia ‘Royal Purple’ is a popular deciduous shrub renowned for its deep purple flower spikes and strong summer fragrance. Flowering over a long...

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Abutilon megapotamicum

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Abutilon, Acaena, and Acer, or related Categories - Flaxes, Groundcover Plants, and Indoor Plants.

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Why Grow Purple Abutilon?

Purple abutilon is valued for its extended flowering, attracting bees and other pollinators to your garden. The generously sized blooms appear through much of the year, pairing beautifully with other ornamental shrubs and perennials. Because the purple abutilon can be shaped and pruned, it's perfect for either a standalone specimen plant or as part of a lush, layered planting scheme. Its fast-growing nature means you’ll quickly enjoy a well-established, showy shrub wherever you choose to plant it.

Planting and Care Tips

Choose a sheltered position with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight to help your purple abutilon thrive. While it can tolerate some light frosts, it performs best in frost-free spots or is protected during the coldest nights. Regular watering during dry spells is appreciated, but be careful not to let the plant sit in waterlogged soil. Pruning after flowering helps maintain a dense, bushy habit and encourages vigorous new growth for the next season’s blooms.

Inspiring Abutilon Varieties

If you love the charm and versatility of purple abutilon, consider expanding your collection with related varieties, each with its own unique colouring and appeal. Varieties such as Abutilon megapotamicum Variegatum feature splashes of gold and green foliage, while Abutilon 'Souvenir de Bonn' (Flowering Maple) offers soft orange and yellow blooms with lovely variegation. For a burst of bold colour, explore Abutilon Thompsonii and its distinctive mottled leaves, or discover delicate pink tones with Abutilon Roseus (Flowering Maple). The stately Abutilon 'Halo' (Flowering Maple) brings a touch of elegance to any planting palette.

Using Purple Abutilon in Your Garden

Whether you’re creating a flowering hedge, adding height and texture to mixed borders, or seeking a patio specimen for containers, purple abutilon is endlessly versatile. Pair it with spring-flowering bulbs and perennials for layered interest, or underplant with shade-tolerant groundcovers if your garden is more sheltered. Its rapid growth and generous blooming habits mean it’s ideal for gardeners seeking instant impact. With their easy-going nature and year-round beauty, purple abutilon and its relatives are favourites amongst New Zealand gardeners looking to add vibrant colour and pollinator appeal to their outdoor spaces.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Everyone knows classic varieties like Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' and Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood), but you might just fall in love with Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush), Hebe odora, and Pittosporum 'Little Gem'.
–The Plant Company

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