Abutilon palmeri
Indian Mallow
Description
Herbaceous shrub with velvety, heart-shaped leaves. Grows quickly to 4'-5' tall and 3' wide. Good for subtropical effect. Plant it next to a patio to enjoy soft texture. Takes full sun or partial shade. Takes reflected heat. May freeze in colder climates. Cup-shaped, apricot-colored blooms on and off during warm months. Arizona Native as well as in low Sonoran Desert in Southern California.
Maintenance Tips
Abutilon palmeri is a fast-growing, California native shrub that has a very dense, but irregular, growth habit. It can get 4-5' tall in one growing season but can continue to grow up to 8' tall and wide if left alone. The majority of the maintenance on this plant is pruning to shape it and keep it in the desired space. One of the best ways to keep the maintenance as low as possible is to give it plenty of room to reach its mature size. If other plants are crowing it out, transplant those other plants further away. This plant can thrive in both full sun and partial shade, but it does not like a wet root system. If it is planted in a shady area, make sure the soil isn’t collecting or retaining moisture. Also, shady areas will result in a taller, rangy plant, so it may require some pruning to encourage lower growth.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
3-6'
Flower Color
Orange, Yellow
Flower Season
Spring, Summer, Fall, Intermittent
Leaf Color
Green, Light Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Tropical, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Silhouette, Unusual Foliage
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Background, Shrub Border, Patio, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences, With Rocks
Special Uses
Filler, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.