Flowering Maple Abutilon 'Cannington Peter' (v)
ABOUT
The Abutilon 'Cannington Peter', commonly known as Flowering Maple, is a visually captivating plant known for its striking floral and foliage display. It bears bell-shaped flowers that dangle gracefully from the stems, drawing considerable attention with their vibrant hues. The flowers manifest in a rich, warm shade that can range from a deep orange to a reddish-orange, and they possess a soft, velvety texture that adds a sense of depth and luxury to the plant's overall appearance. Surrounding the showy flowers, the leaves of the Flowering Maple contribute further to its aesthetic appeal. The foliage is characterized by a bright green color and exhibits a somewhat maple-like shape, with pointed lobes and a slightly serrated edge. These leaves form an attractive backdrop that accentuates the brilliance of the blossoms and adds to the lushness of the plant. Throughout the blooming period, the Flowering Maple creates a spectacular display as the flowers and foliage together create a symphony of color and shape that can enliven any space it occupies. Its overall aspect is one of elegant beauty, with a harmonious blend of its ornamental flowers and decorative leaves that make it a popular choice for gardens and indoor environments where a tropical or subtropical aesthetic is desired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae.
Synonyms
Flowering Maple, Parlor Maple, Chinese Lantern, Chinese Bell Flower.
Common names
Abutilon 'Cannington Peter'
ToxicityTo humans
Abutilon 'Cannington Peter' commonly known as Flowering Maple, is not considered toxic to humans. No significant toxic effects are expected if parts of this plant are ingested by humans.
To pets
Flowering Maple is generally considered non-toxic to pets. However, individual animals may have varying sensitivities, and ingestion can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset. If any symptoms are observed, it is always prudent to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
4-6 feet [1.2-1.8 meters]
Spread
2-3 feet [0.6-0.9 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Abutilon 'Cannington Peter', commonly known as Flowering Maple, has attractive bell-shaped flowers and maple-like leaves, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is adaptable to a variety of conditions and can be grown easily in pots or gardens.
- Long Blooming Season: Flowering Maple has a long blooming period, providing color and interest from spring to frost.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Abutilon 'Cannington Peter' can attract butterflies and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for use in mixed borders, as a specimen plant, or for indoor decoration.
- Tolerant of Pruning: Responds well to pruning, making it easy to shape and maintain the desired size.
- Frost Tolerance: While it prefers warmer climates, Flowering Maple can survive light frosts, making it suitable for a range of environments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Textile Fiber: The stems of the flowering maple can be processed to extract fibers used for making jute-like textiles.
- Craft Material: Dried stems and seed pods can be used in floral arrangements or as decorative elements in various arts and crafts.
- Fish Poison: In some traditional practices, compounds from the plant could be used to stun fish for easier collection, although this use is not environmentally friendly.
- Papermaking: The fibrous material from Abutilon 'Cannington Peter' stems could potentially be used for paper production in small-scale or traditional papermaking crafts.
- Natural Dye: The flowers and leaves might be boiled to extract natural dyes for coloring fabrics or other materials.
- Photographic Subject: Its unique flower shape and form can serve as an excellent subject for photographers, particularly those interested in plant and nature photography.
- Teaching Tool: This plant can be used in educational settings for botany lessons due to its distinct structure and growth patterns.
- Soundproofing: The dense foliage of the plant can contribute to soundproofing when planted densely in an outdoor area.
- Privacy Screens: The plant can be grown as an outdoor privacy screen or to create a visual barrier in a garden setting.
- Horticultural Therapy: The care and maintenance of Abutilon 'Cannington Peter' can be used as a form of horticultural therapy to promote well-being and relaxation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Abutilon, commonly known as "Flowering Maple," is not traditionally used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Flowering Maple is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection - The Abutilon, also known as the "Flowering Maple," due to its maple-like leaves, is sometimes considered a symbol of protection and safety, providing a sheltering presence in gardens and interiorspaces.
- Delicate Beauty - With its bell-shaped, colorful blooms, the Abutilon represents a form of delicate and subtle beauty, reminding those who gaze upon it of the gentle qualities that beauty can possess.
- Internal Reflection - As a plant that can thrive indoors, the Abutilon invites introspection and symbolizes the importance of looking inward to find one's true beauty and strength.
- Uniqueness - Each Abutilon variety, including 'Cannington Peter', displays unique patterns and colors, symbolizing individuality and the special traits that make a person or thing stand out.
- Perseverance - Capable of blooming year-round under the right conditions, the Abutilon speaks to the tenacity of life and the persistence needed to flourish despite challenges.
WaterFlowering maple (Abutilon 'Cannington Peter') should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. It's essential to check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Typically, this might be once or twice a week, depending on the climate and indoor conditions. Depending on the size of the pot, watering with approximately 16 to 32 ounces of water each time should be sufficient. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down.
LightFlowering maple prefers bright, indirect light. The ideal spot would be in a room with east or west-facing windows where it can receive ample light without being exposed to the harsh midday sun. Avoid placing it in deep shade or direct sunlight, which could scorch its leaves.
TemperatureFlowering maple thrives at room temperatures around 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit, avoiding any sudden temperature changes. It can survive minimum temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the night and should not be exposed to temperatures below this. The maximum temperature it can tolerate is around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is best kept cooler.
PruningFlowering maple should be pruned to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or diseased wood. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back up to a third of the oldest stems, and lightly trim the remaining branches to refine the plant's shape. The best time for more significant pruning is after the plant has finished blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFlowering Maple requires well-draining soil with a mix of peat, pine bark, and perlite or sand. The ideal soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
RepottingFlowering Maple should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the roots outgrow the pot.
Humidity & MistingFlowering Maple thrives best at moderate to high humidity levels, ranging between 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, regular watering, and maintain humidity for indoor Flowering Maples.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from wind, and water regularly for outdoor growth.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleAbutilon 'Cannington Peter', commonly known as Flowering Maple, begins its life as a seed that germinates in warm, well-draining soil in spring. The seedling develops into a juvenile plant with characteristic maple-like leaves, rapidly growing to achieve its mature structure. As a young adult plant, it produces bell-shaped, pendulous flowers that may be orange, yellow, or red, depending on the variety, usually blooming in the warmer months. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into dry, schizocarp fruits that split into multiple segments, each containing seeds for reproduction. Over the years, the plant can become woody and may require pruning to maintain shape and promote more vigorous growth. Flowering Maples are perennial in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, but in colder regions, they must be grown as annuals or overwintered indoors to complete their life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Abutilon 'Cannington Peter', also known as Flowering Maple, is usually propagated by semi-ripe stem cuttings. This method is most effective when performed during the warmer months, typically late spring through summer. To do so, one would take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, ensuring at least two sets of leaves are present. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end is dipped into rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist and to place the pot in a warm area with indirect sunlight. Under optimal conditions, the cutting should root in a few weeks, after which it can eventually be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
