Abutilon Red Trumpet

Abutilon megapotanicum ‘Red Trumpet’ is a decidedly exotic shrub for adorning terraces, patios and balconies. Its original bright red bell-shaped flowers, reminiscent of little lanterns, bring a beautiful touch of colour from summer until autumn. Its slightly trailing habit and finely cut foliage give it an elegant silhouette. In cold climates, it should be overwintered in a conservatory or cold greenhouse, sheltered from frost. This pretty variety has been awarded by the R.H.S.

Abutilon 'Red Trumpet' or 'Oostredtrump' belongs to the Malvaceae family. It comes from the species Abutilon megapotamicum, native to South America (Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina). This variety forms a slender bush reaching about 1.50 m in height (maximum 2 m), with a similar spread or slightly wider, depending on climate and growing conditions. Its growth is slower in cool climates or in pots. The foliage is semi-evergreen to evergreen, depending on the winters. It consists of oval or slightly heart-shaped, bright green leaves, finely toothed on the edge, measuring 5 cm long. Flowering begins in July and continues until the first frosts in the very ornamental form of a profusion of small pendant flowers on a petiole. Each flower consists of a swollen calyx and 5 red petals, veined with dark red. The corolla measures 4 to 5 cm in diameter. The trunk of this Abutilon withstands down to –5/-7 °C, if planted in a very sheltered position, against a south-facing wall, for example. 

Abutilon ‘Red Trumpet’ naturally finds a place on a sunny terrace, in a large pot or in the heart of a border in mild climates. It can be associated with shrubby fuchsias and small non-running bamboos, Fargesia. To create a tropical atmosphere, it can be accompanied by lush foliage, notably cannas and common castor oil plants.