Flamenco Chinese Lantern

Flamenco Chinese Lantern (Abutilon hybrid 'Flamenco') is an evergreen, fast-growing shrub that reaches about 1.8m tall and 1.5m wide. Deep red, lantern-shaped flowers hang from the branches from spring to autumn, among maple-shaped leaves. It is hardier than many of its abutilon cousins, tolerating light overnight frosts once established.

Why you'll love it

• Red lanterns for most of the year. Flowers open from spring through autumn, and in a warm, sheltered position they can carry on even longer.
• Hardier than most abutilons. It tolerates light overnight frosts and dry spells once established, although it still likes shelter from cold winds.
• Evergreen and quick. The maple-like leaves stay on the plant and it grows fast, so it fills its space in a season or two.
• Compact enough for most gardens. At 1.8m by 1.5m it suits a courtyard, a pot or the back of a small bed.
• A good screen or feature. Clipped to shape it forms a loose flowering screen, and left alone it makes an eye-catching feature.

Where it works best

Feature shrub against a warm wall. A north or west facing wall gives the shelter and warmth it likes, and keeps the red flowers close to eye level.

Informal screening. Plant 1m apart for a loose flowering screen, clipping to shape to keep it dense.

Pots and containers. A large pot in sun suits it, and a potted plant can be moved under cover in winter. Grown indoors, it needs bright light.

Growing Flamenco Chinese Lantern in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun for the most flowers, though it tolerates shade with fewer blooms. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and sheltered cool temperate gardens. Light overnight frosts are tolerated once it is established, but young plants need protection, and a spot out of cold winds is best.

Soil. Plant in moist, well drained, light soil. Mulch to hold moisture, keeping it clear of the stem.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it establishes, usually about 12 weeks, then through dry spells. Once settled it handles dry periods. Feed with a slow release fertiliser after flowering.

Pruning. Give it a light trim after flowering to keep it tidy, and prune harder in spring to renew an overgrown plant. If it is a screen, clip to shape.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Flamenco Chinese Lantern as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Our grower supplies the tube stock, and supply is not constant. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and you can press the notify button on the page to be emailed the day it is back. Expect a small, leafy young plant that grows fast in warm weather and begins flowering as it fills out.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse flowering plants
• Plants for pots and containers
• Shrubs for privacy
• How to get flowers for months

Common questions

Is Flamenco frost hardy?

It tolerates light overnight frosts once established, but young plants need protection and it prefers shelter from cold winds. Frost-prone gardens should give it a warm, protected spot.

How long does it flower?

From spring to autumn, and sometimes longer when it is kept warm.

Can I keep it in a pot?

Yes. Use a large pot with a free draining mix, place it in sun, and feed after flowering. A potted plant can also be moved to shelter in winter.