Wednesday's Flower
Wednesday's Story
Did it originate in Ireland or Chile?…
Luckily for me it grows in Dublin, Ireland where I was visiting the lovely National Botanical Gardens, but it’s actually from Chili. Off in the distance it caught my eye. Once seen, I dreamed of having it in my own gardens, but that is not to be since it doesn’t grow in my Zone 5. Instead, I will daydream upon this five-petaled violet bloom from a distance and be glad I came upon it.
points of interest
Fast growing and upright shrub with thick, gray-felted shoots producing maple-like soft gray leaves. Flowers are pendant, saucer-shaped with crepe-paper like silvery, purple-blue petals appearing in summer. Grow in large containers, as house plants where not hardy or train against a wall.
general care
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain healthy structure and keep from getting straggly or cut down to 12” to rejuvenate.
friday’s flower fact
Abutilon’s make wonderful container plants. Use as a central specimen and underplant with shade loving annuals or perennials.
Botanical Name | Abutilon vitifolium 'Violet'
Family | Malvaceae
Type | deciduous shrub
Origin | Chile
Zone | 8-11
Flower Height | 6’
Flower Diameter | 3”
