Abutilon Ashford Red is a striking, semi-evergreen shrub known for its abundant, vivid red, bell-shaped flowers and lush, green, maple-like leaves. This showy plant produces a profusion of bright flowers over a long period, creating a vibrant and tropical feel in any garden. Its pendulous flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the natural biodiversity in your space. With its graceful, arching branches and colourful display, Abutilon Ashford Red brings both visual appeal and a sense of movement to the garden.
Perfect for cottage gardens, tropical-themed designs, or as a standout feature in mixed borders, Abutilon Ashford Red can be grown as a small shrub or trained into a standard form for added structure. Its long flowering period, extending from spring through autumn, ensures a consistent splash of red throughout the growing season. It also works well in containers, making it an ideal plant for patios or courtyards where its vibrant flowers can be enjoyed up close.
Plant Abutilon Ashford Red in a sunny to partially shaded location for best flowering performance. It prefers well-drained, moderately moist soil, although it can tolerate periods of dryness once established. Shelter it from strong winds, as its branches and flowers can be delicate. Space plants about 1.5 to 2 metres apart to allow for its natural spreading habit and to promote healthy air circulation.
At maturity, Abutilon Ashford Red typically reaches a height of 2 to 3 metres with a similar spread, forming an open, airy shape. Its arching branches and bright flowers create a soft, graceful presence in the garden, adding both height and a touch of drama to any space.
Trimming: Prune lightly in early spring to encourage bushy growth and shape. Remove any leggy or crossing branches. A harder prune after flowering can help rejuvenate older plants.
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to prolong the flowering season and encourage new flowers.
Fertilising: Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring to autumn) to support continuous flowering.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot, dry periods. Avoid letting the plant dry out completely between waterings.
Pest Control: Watch for common pests such as aphids, whitefly, and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat infestations if necessary.
Disease Management: Abutilon can occasionally suffer from leaf spot or root rot if overwatered or in poorly drained soil. Ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid waterlogging by planting in well-drained soil. Remove any affected foliage to prevent the spread of disease.
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