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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

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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. Its semi evergreen habit and fine foliage make it ideal for cascading over walls, training on trellises, or brightening borders with its long flowering display.

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
Salvia Amistad with purple flowers and lush green foliage.

Salvia Amistad

Salvia Amistad is one of the purple Salvias grown for its rich display of flowers from summer through autumn. It produces long and slender, flower spikes that host masses of showy, purple-blue flowers. The flowers sit neatly above the mid-green foliage as it grows to 1 m tall and the same wide. Salvia Amistad is ideal for herb gardens, mixed plantings, cottage gardens, borders, or container growing. A mass planting really suits this plant and gives a very rewarding display.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Borders, Culinary, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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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, Bougainvillea, Corylus, Dodonaea, Fagus, Fraxinus, Hoya, Leptinella, Mesembryanthemum Phormium and Salvia, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Flaxes, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs Succulents and Deciduous Trees.

Search purple abutilon

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.


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