Waltz Chinese Lantern

Waltz Chinese Lantern (Abutilon x hybridum 'Waltz') is a flowering shrub that grows about 1.8m tall and 1.8m wide. Golden yellow bells, each with a copper-red calyx, hang among soft maple-shaped leaves through the cooler months, and in sheltered, mild gardens they can ring out almost all year. It is more compact than the white and pink abutilons, which makes it a handy size for an informal hedge.

Why you'll love it

• Yellow bells with a copper-red calyx. The calyx is the part that holds the petals to the stalk, and here it gives each bell a warm, two-tone look.
• A long flowering season. Flowers appear in the cooler months and, in sheltered spots and mild climates, nearly all year round.
• Flowers from a young age. Waltz is keen to bloom, so even a young plant starts flowering early.
• More compact than other abutilons. At 1.8m by 1.8m it is smaller than the white and pink forms, so it fits tighter spaces.
• Good for informal privacy. A row of Waltz forms a soft flowering hedge at a useful height.

Where it works best

Informal privacy hedge. Plant 1.2m apart in a single row. The plants close up as they mature, and a light clip to shape keeps the line dense.

Feature planting. Set it near a seat or an entry, where the hanging bells show against the green foliage at close range.

Pots, courtyards and indoors. A large pot in a bright, sheltered spot suits it, and it can be grown indoors where the light is strong.

Growing Waltz Chinese Lantern in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the most flowers, and shade is tolerated with fewer blooms. It suits sheltered gardens in subtropical and warm temperate climates, and mild districts reward it with almost year round colour. It needs frost protection: mulch the base heavily in winter, or move potted plants under cover.

Soil. Any well drained, light soil. Good drainage matters more than richness.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly through the first 12 weeks or so until it is established, then keep it moist in dry weather. Feed with a slow release fertiliser after flowering to support healthy growth.

Pruning. Prune hard in spring to promote fresh growth and keep its naturally leggy habit full. Clip lightly to shape if you are growing it as a hedge.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Waltz Chinese Lantern as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Availability of tube stock depends on our grower, so the tube is not always on hand. It shows as sold out when the grower has none, and the notify button on the page will email you the day it returns. Expect a small leafy plant that grows steadily in warm weather.

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
• Hedging and screening plants
• How to create a great hedge and keep it sharp

Common questions

How far apart should I plant Waltz for a hedge?

Plant 1.2m apart in a single row. Clip it lightly to shape as it grows to keep the line dense.

Why are the flowers yellow and red?

The yellow petals hang below a copper-red calyx, the part that holds the petals to the stalk, giving each bell two tones.

Does it need frost protection?

Yes. Mulch around the base in winter and choose a sheltered spot. In colder gardens, a pot that can be moved under cover is a safer option.