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Information by: The Plant Nerd Inc.        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

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.