Do you prune Abutilon?
Daniel Foster
Published May 22, 2026
Do you prune Abutilon?
Abutilon plants are showy perennials with maple-like leaves and bell-shaped flowers. They are often called Chinese lanterns because of the papery blossoms. Another common name is flowering maple, because of the lobed leaves. Trimming abutilon is essential to their continued health and beauty.
Should you prune when flowering?
Prune any plant after it has finished flowering. Spring bloomers (such as clematis) and other vines and shrubs (such weigela), thrive if pruned in late spring or early summer. The plant’s energy returns after the hard work of producing buds and blooms is past, and they can put that energy into healing themselves.
Are Abutilon perennials?
The genus Abutilon is a large group of flowering plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae) with over 200 species occurring throughout the tropics and subtropics. They range in height from 18 inches to 10 feet, and may be herbaceous perennials, shrubs, or small trees.
When should you feed Abutilon?
The plant likes moist soil, but never let abutilon become soggy or waterlogged. You can feed flowering maple every month during the growing season, or use a very dilute solution every other week. Cut back branches carefully to shape the plant in early spring or late fall.
When should I cut back my abutilon?
Abutilons have a tendency to become leggy and benefit form regular pruning to maintain compactness. Abutilons produce flowers on the current season’s growth, so prune in late winter or early spring.
When should you feed abutilon?
How do you make Abutilon bushy?
Cut back branches selectively to shape the abutilon and control growth as desired. As a general rule, remove no more than a third of the length of each stem and make all cuts just above a node. Prune out any branches that are rubbing against another branch or growing toward the inside of the shrub.
When is the best time to prune an Abutilon?
Pruning: Abutilon takes pruning well. Tip prune young plants, to spur new growth and get a fuller shape. If yours starts to become tall and gangly, snipping it back to a leaf joint will encourage it to send out new branches. Abutilon can also be pruned back hard in the spring if you want to control its size.
What should I do if my Abutilon plant is not growing?
Prune just enough to give a pleasing overall shape; if you remove too much growth, you may prevent the plant from setting flower buds. Repot your plant into a slightly larger pot in spring. PROBLEM: If pests appear, flush plant with water to wash them off; if they persist, spray with insecticidal soap.
What kind of foliage does an Abutilon have?
In fact, a happy Abutilon can flower almost non-stop, in shades from white to pale yellow to deep coral and red. Growth Habit: Abutilon are small, upright shrubs with arching branches that bend under the weight of all the flowers. Foliage: The leaves are palmate and can be deeply lobed and/or serrated.
Are there any problems with my Abutilon Maple?
Problems & Pests of Flowering Maples. Insects: The usual houseplant pests will affect Abutilon, including whiteflies, spider mites, scale and mealybugs. Scout for problems while watering. Diseases: Diseases affecting Abutilon include: root rot, rust, Alternaria and Cercospora leaf spot.
Why do you need to prune an Abutilon plant?
They are tender evergreens that need a growing site with some sun to produce the lovely, lantern-shaped flowers. They also need some shade to thrive. Why do you need to think about pruning these plants? Abutilons get leggy as they grow. Most plants are prettier and more compact if you start pruning abutilon plants regularly.
How did the Abutilon plant get its name?
Abutilon plants are showy perennials with maple-like leaves and bell-shaped flowers. They are often called Chinese lanterns because of the papery blossoms. Another common name is flowering maple, because of the lobed leaves.
Where do you cut the branches of an Abutilon?
Cut 4 inches from the tip of an abutilon branch, below a node (area of the stem where a leaf joins it). It should be new growth that is just beginning to harden. If you can bend the branch without snapping it, it is softwood.
How is the Abutilon tree related to the maple tree?
Although Abutilon is no relation to the maple tree, it is frequently referred to as the “flowering maple”. Abutilon does have maple-like palmate leaves. You may also notice a similarity to mallows and hibiscus. These are cousins of Abutilon, and in addition to similar flower shapes, they share the ability to produce dozens of flowers.