Abutilons, or Chinese Lanterns as they are commonly called, are a popular garden shrub. They are hardy to full sun, part shade and most frosts. They will also tolerate extended dry periods. They should be pruned to around 60% after the last frost. After pruning, and at planting they should be fed with Osmocote Outdoor Trees & Shrubs.
‘Pink Swirls’ is a selected form with ruffled pink flowers. It will generally grow around 2 meters high by 1.8 meters wide although it can get larger in good conditions. The foliage is deep green and accentuates the flowers, which seem to be around for most of the year.
‘Pink Swirls’ can be used as a specimen plant in a small lawn, as a backdrop to a cottage garden, or trimmed up in a formal English garden. With its loose shape it will also look good intermingled with native Australian plants. The pink flowers contrast nicely with the deep blue of Salvia ‘Omaha Gold’ or the bright yellow of Genista ‘Yellow Imp’. Surround it with Lavandula ‘Avonview’, Penstemon ‘Thorn’ or Hydrangea ‘Saturn’ for a splash of summer colour.
