Abutilon ‘Orange Hot Lava’ - Chinese Lantern

Abutilon ‘Orange Hot Lava’ is a stunning, free-flowering shrub that produces an abundance of glowing orange, lantern-shaped blooms from late spring well into autumn. The vibrant flowers hang delicately beneath the branches, creating a tropical feel while contrasting beautifully against the fresh green foliage. Its exceptionally long flowering season makes it a real focal point in borders, patios and containers.

Despite its exotic appearance, this Abutilon is surprisingly easy to grow in a sheltered garden or large pot. It thrives in a warm, sunny position and rewards minimal care with months of continuous colour, making it an excellent choice for Mediterranean-inspired gardens or as a statement plant on the patio.

Perennial
Semi-evergreen • Long Flowering • Exotic Looking • Great for Containers • Pollinator Friendly • Low Maintenance

Flowers
Large, pendulous, bell-shaped flowers in rich glowing orange are produced continuously from late spring until the first frosts.

Foliage
Soft green, maple-like leaves create a lush backdrop to the vibrant flowers and may remain on the plant through mild winters.

Scientific Name
Abutilon ‘Orange Hot Lava’

Common Name
Chinese Lantern, Flowering Maple

Origin
Garden cultivar of Abutilon, a genus native to tropical and subtropical regions.

Pruning Tips
Lightly trim after the main flowering flush or in early spring to encourage bushy growth and maintain a compact shape. Remove any dead, damaged or frost-affected stems as new growth begins.

Wildlife Value
The nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects throughout the flowering season.

Positioning
Grow in full sun or light partial shade in a warm, sheltered position, protected from cold winds. Ideal against a sunny wall or in a patio container.

Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. Water container-grown plants regularly, especially during warm weather. Reduce watering over winter.

Soil
Prefers fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

Food
Feed every two weeks with a high-potash liquid fertiliser during the growing and flowering season, or apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage abundant blooms.

Pet-safe
Generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Sprouts Top Tips
Abutilons flower best when kept warm and well-fed. If growing in colder parts of the UK, plant in a sheltered microclimate or grow in a container that can be moved to a frost-free position over winter. Regular feeding and deadheading will keep the vibrant orange flowers coming for months.