Flowering Maple Abutilon 'Nabob'
ABOUT
Abutilon 'Nabob', commonly known as the flowering maple, is a unique and ornamental plant renowned for its eye-catching features. Delicately hanging like lanterns, the deep red, almost burgundy flowers bloom prolifically and contrast strikingly with the rich green foliage. Each flower has a bell-like shape with a prominent and slightly protruding stamen, which adds to the intricate beauty of the plant. The leaves of the flowering maple 'Nabob' are similarly appealing, with a shape that resembles the maple tree, which is where it gets its common name. The leaf texture is somewhat velvety, creating a lush look throughout the plant's canopy. As they catch the light or move with a gentle breeze, the leaves add to the dynamic visual interest of the plant. Branching is typically sturdy, often giving the plant a full and well-rounded appearance. Even without going into dimensions, it's apparent that the flowering maple 'Nabob' is cultivated for its decorative appeal, suitable for garden spaces where the emphasis is on color and form. Overall, this plant is a splendid choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance and vibrant color to their gardens or as a potted specimen for terraces and balconies.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Red Flowering Maple, Red Chinese Lantern.
Common names
Abutilon 'Nabob'.
ToxicityTo humans
Abutilon 'Nabob', commonly known as Flowering Maple, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from consuming any parts of this plant. Therefore, accidental ingestion is not likely to result in any symptoms or adverse health consequences.
To pets
Flowering Maple is not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There is no significant evidence to suggest that ingestion of this plant would lead to symptomatic poisoning in pets. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the ingestion of non-digestible matter.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Abutilon 'Nabob', commonly known as Flowering Maple, has attractive pendulous bell-shaped flowers and maple-like leaves, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Attracts Pollinators: The showy blooms of the Flowering Maple attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Flowering Maple is known for its ease of cultivation and can thrive in a range of conditions once established.
- Container Gardening: Its compact size makes it suitable for pots and containers, allowing for versatile placement in small spaces or patios.
- Fast Growth: Flowering Maple exhibits relatively rapid growth, allowing gardeners to enjoy its ornamental features shortly after planting.
- Long Blooming Season: The plant has a prolonged flowering period, providing visual interest throughout multiple seasons.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it's relatively tolerant to dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pruning Tolerance: Flowering Maple responds well to pruning, which can encourage more vigorous growth and flower production.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of the Abutilon 'Nabob', also known as Red Flowering Maple, can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues ranging from soft yellows to greenish-brown depending on the mordant used.
- Fiber source: The bark of the Red Flowering Maple contains fibrous material that can potentially be utilized for making rope or crafting textiles.
- Ornamental crafts: Dried sections of the Abutilon 'Nabob' can be used in decorative crafts, such as in the creation of floral arrangements or wreaths.
- Theme gardens: The plant can serve as a thematic element in Victorian or cottage-style gardens, providing historical context and aesthetic value.
- Education: Red Flowering Maple can be utilized as a tool for educational purposes in botanical studies, horticultural therapy programs, and plant physiology demonstrations.
- Privacy screening: When grown in clusters, this plant can function as a visual screen in gardens or patios, offering a measure of privacy with its dense foliage.
- Sound barrier: The thick foliage of the Abutilon 'Nabob' can also help dampen noise when planted along roadways or perimeter fences.
- Photography: Due to its striking blooms, the Red Flowering Maple can be used as a subject for botanical photography and art.
- Nectar source: Abutilon 'Nabob's' flowers can provide nectar for pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, thus contributing to the ecological support of beneficial insects.
- Seasonal interest: This plant can add seasonal interest to the garden with its long blooming period and changing leaf colors as the temperatures drop in some regions.
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- Protection: Abutilon 'Nabob', commonly known as Flowering Maple, can symbolically represent shelter and protection due to its maple-like leaves that spread widely, offering coverage and a sense of safety.
- Subtle Beauty: The subtle yet striking bell-shaped flowers of Flowering Maple stand for nuanced beauty that might not demand attention but rewards those who take a closer look.
- Domestic Comfort: Often grown indoors as a houseplant, Flowering Maple can represent the comfort and warmth of home, suggesting an inviting and cozy atmosphere.
- Resilience: As a plant that can adapt to various indoor conditions, Flowering Maple can symbolize resilience and the ability to endure changing environments.
WaterFlowering Maple should be watered regularly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During active growth in the spring and summer, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, which may be about once a week depending on the environment. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and use about 16 to 24 ounces of water for a medium-sized pot, adjusting the amount as needed. Reduce watering in the fall and winter to every other week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
LightFlowering Maple thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near an east or west-facing window where it receives gentle morning or evening sun is ideal. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh afternoon sunlight as this can scorch the leaves. If grown indoors, rotating the plant occasionally will ensure all sides receive adequate light for even growth.
TemperatureFlowering Maple prefers moderate temperatures, thriving best between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum of 50 degrees and a maximum of 85 degrees. The ideal temperature range promotes healthy growth and bloom development. Sudden temperature drops or drafts should be avoided to prevent stress on the plant.
PruningPruning the Flowering Maple is vital for maintaining its shape, encouraging bushier growth, and promoting more blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and cut back leggy growth to stimulate new shoots. Pruning can be done annually, or as needed, to maintain the plant's desired size and shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFlowering Maple 'Nabob' thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically between 6.0 and 7.5. A mixture of peat, pine bark, and either perlite or sand works well. Ensure the soil is fertile by enriching it with organic compost.
RepottingFlowering Maple 'Nabob' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Use fresh potting mix and a slightly larger pot to encourage growth.
Humidity & MistingFlowering Maple 'Nabob' prefers high humidity levels, around 50% or higher, to thrive. Mist the plant regularly or use a humidity tray to maintain the best humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep warm.
Outdoor
Shelter from strong winds, partial shade preferred.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of 'Nabob' flowering maple (Abutilon 'Nabob') begins with seed germination, occurring when temperature and moisture conditions are favorable, typically in spring or early summer. Following germination, the seedling stage involves the development of primary leaves and establishment of the root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant experiences rapid growth of stems and leaves, supported by ample sunlight and water. The flowering stage is reached when the plant is mature enough to produce its characteristic deep red to maroon pendulous bell-shaped flowers, which may happen repeatedly during the warm months. After pollination, typically by insects, the plant sets seed contained within papery capsules, which eventually dry and release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, in colder climates, 'Nabob' flowering maple may enter a period of dormancy over winter or may be grown as an annual and die after seed production if it does not have the protection from frost.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Flowering Maple, known botanically as Abutilon 'Nabob', is most commonly propagated using semi-hardwood stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most active. To propagate, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) should be taken just below a leaf node, with the lower leaves removed. The cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining soil mix. It's important to maintain high humidity around the cutting by covering it with a plastic bag or using a propagator, and to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new flowering maple plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
