Flowering Maple Abutilon 'Fool's Gold'
ABOUT
Abutilon 'Fool's Gold', commonly known as the flowering maple, is an ornamental plant that features heart-shaped leaves with a subtle maple-like appearance. The leaves display a rich green color, providing a lush backdrop for the eye-catching blooms. The flowers themselves are bell-shaped and dangle delicately from slender stalks, resembling paper lanterns. Featuring a warm golden-yellow hue, they offer a striking contrast to the green foliage. The bloom's petals can sometimes show a slight overlap, which further adds to their charming, fluted configuration. These radiant flowers attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies, adding a dynamic aspect to the plant's aesthetic. The flowering maple, while having no relation to actual maples, gets its nickname from the similar shape of its leaves, and 'Fool's Gold' captures the essence of its enticing, golden flowers that might remind one of a treasure trove of gold falsely promising riches, but in this case, providing a genuine visual wealth.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae.
Synonyms
Flowering Maple, Parlor Maple, Indian Mallow, Velvetleaf.
Common names
Abutilon 'Fool's Gold'
ToxicityTo humans
Flowering Maple (Abutilon 'Fool's Gold') is not widely known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of toxicity or poisoning from this plant affecting people. However, it is always best to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not commonly recognized as food sources, as individual sensitivities can vary, and there may be a lack of comprehensive research on all potential effects.
To pets
Flowering Maple (Abutilon 'Fool's Gold') is not widely known to be toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. There is limited information on the toxicity of this particular cultivar to household pets, but the Abutilon genus as a whole is not commonly listed as poisonous. Nevertheless, pet owners should always prevent pets from consuming plants not intended for their ingestion, as individual animals might have unique sensitivities or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Aesthetic: Abutilon 'Fool's Gold', commonly known as Flowering Maple, has vibrant yellow bell-shaped flowers and attractive foliage that enhance garden aesthetics.
- Wildlife Attraction: The plant attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Flowering Maple is known for being easy to care for, thriving in a range of conditions and making it suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Fast Growth: This species often grows quickly, providing faster gratification for gardeners eager to see growth and blooms.
- Extended Blooming Period: Flowering Maple can bloom for much of the year, especially in milder climates, providing long-lasting color and interest in the garden.
- Versatility: It can be used in various garden settings, including borders, containers, and as a standalone ornamental plant.
- Shade Tolerance: Abutilon 'Fool's Gold' can tolerate partial shade, making it a good option for under-planting or brightening up less sunny spots.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental Shadow Casting: The intricate leaves of Abutilon 'Fool's Gold' can cast beautiful shadows and can be used to create interesting visual effects in a garden when light shines through them.
- Nature-Inspired Art: Artists may use the patterned foliage and vibrant flowers of the flowering maple as inspiration for designs in paintings, textiles, or sculpture.
- Photography Subject: Due to its striking appearance, the flowering maple is an excellent subject for photographers, especially those interested in macro photography or botanical themes.
- Educational Tool: Educators can use the flowering maple to teach students about plant biology, particularly regarding flowering patterns and pollination mechanisms.
- Thermal Buffer in Gardens: The dense growth of flowering maple can be strategically planted to provide microclimate control, buffering delicate plants against harsh sun.
- Eco-friendly Events Decor: For events that aim for sustainability, flowering maple branches can be utilized as biodegradable decor that won’t leave waste behind.
- Companion Planting: The flowering maple can be used in companion planting to visually enhance the aesthetic of vegetable gardens or mixed borders.
- Garden Fragrance Layering: While primarily visual, some Abutilon varieties have a mild fragrance and can contribute to a garden's scent profile.
- Wildlife Habitat: Flowering maple can be incorporated into garden designs aiming to attract and support local wildlife, such as hummingbirds and beneficial insects.
- Seasonal Celebrations: The vibrant flowers of the flowering maple can be used during certain festivals or celebrations to symbolize joy and abundance due to their golden hue.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Flowering Maple is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Flowering Maple is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope - The bright yellow flowers of 'Fool's Gold' symbolize hope and positivity, as yellow is commonly associated with sunlight and new beginnings.
- Wealth - Since 'Fool's Gold' is another name for pyrite, a mineral with a metallic luster resembling gold, the plant can symbolize wealth and the idea of riches (albeit deceptive or illusory, as with the mineral).
- Adaptability - Abutilon species are known for their ability to thrive in a range of conditions, representing flexibility and the ability to adapt to diverse environments.
- Happiness - The warm, golden tones of the 'Fool's Gold' flowers are often associated with joy and happiness, evoking a cheerful and uplifting feeling.
WaterFlowering Maple (Abutilon 'Fool's Gold') should be watered regularly, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Typically, this means watering thoroughly once a week, but the frequency can vary depending on climate, season, and indoor conditions. During hot, dry periods, it may require more frequent watering, like twice a week, whereas in cooler, less sunny periods, watering may be reduced to every ten days or so. Use room temperature water, and apply enough to soak the root zone, which might be around 1-2 gallons for a medium-sized plant, depending on the size of the pot and the plant. Always allow excess water to drain away to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
LightFlowering Maple prefers bright, indirect light; direct sun can scorch its leaves, especially in hot climates. A spot near an east-facing or west-facing window where it receives gentle morning or late afternoon sun is ideal. If placed in a south-facing window, ensure it is protected by a sheer curtain or set back from the window to avoid intense midday sun. In less than optimal light conditions, the plant may grow leggy and produce fewer flowers.
TemperatureFlowering Maple thrives at temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees at night, but should not be exposed to temperatures below 45 degrees, as this can cause damage or stunted growth. Conversely, temperatures over 80 degrees, especially combined with dry air, can stress the plant. Keep it away from drafts and sudden temperature changes for best growth.
PruningPrune Flowering Maple to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. This can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut away any dead or weak branches, and trim back leggy stems to promote a fuller plant. Pruning can be done annually, or as needed, to remove any undesirable growth or to control the plant's size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFlowering Maple 'Fool's Gold' thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of two parts peat, one part perlite, and one part compost. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant.
RepottingFlowering Maple 'Fool's Gold' should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is the best time for repotting this plant to allow for growth in the growing season.
Humidity & MistingFlowering Maple 'Fool's Gold' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-60%. Avoid placing it in very dry environments, as it may lead to leaf crisping.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Flowering Maple in bright, indirect light, and keep away from drafts.
Outdoor
Grow in partial shade, shelter from strong winds, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe plant commonly known as Abutilon 'Fool's Gold' begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates when exposed to suitable temperatures and moisture levels. After germination, the seedling emerges and begins to develop its root system and first set of true leaves. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant continues to grow in size and foliage, establishing a robust structure. During the flowering stage, 'Fool's Gold' produces distinctive bell-shaped yellow flowers that attract pollinators and may lead to seed production if pollination occurs. After flowering, seeds mature and are dispersed, ready to begin a new cycle when conditions are right. In perennial growing regions, the plant may enter a period of dormancy during colder months, conserving energy before reemerging in the spring to repeat the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Abutilon 'Fool's Gold', commonly known as flowering maple, is typically propagated by taking stem cuttings, which is among the most popular methods. To do this, a healthy, non-flowering shoot is chosen, and a cutting roughly 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long is taken. This cutting should have at least two sets of leaves at the top and should be snipped just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then placed in a moist potting mix, and covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, simulating the conditions of a mini greenhouse. The pot should be kept in a warm spot with indirect light until the roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks. After rooting, the new flowering maple can be potted up into a larger container and grown on as a new plant.
