Needs to be well watered during establishment after that water only in prolonged dry periods as this plant is quite drought tolerant. Loamy soil that’s slightly on the sandy side is best but abutilons are tolerant of most soils if given adequate drainage. Protect from strong wind that can break the long branches or uproot the entire plant. A good plant for filling a difficult corner provided there is good light or direct sun for at least half the day. In colder climates can be grown in tubs outdoors and brought inside in winter. Tolerant of mild frost but not prolonged, hard frosts or snow. Will grow in tropical climates if given good drainage. Subtropical to warm temperate (USDA 9-11). They grow to 10 feet (3 metres) and the long branches tend to arch over if not controlled by pruning. Leaves are usually soft and downy with three distinct lobes. Colours range from yellow to various peach and salmon shades to red and yellow to mauve/pink. The majority have bell-shaped flowers that hang down, though there is at least one pinky-mauve type that holds its open face straight out to the sun. Though among the absolute easiest flowering shrubs to grow, they do need a bit of strategic pruning to give of their best – read on!Ĭhinese Lanterns have absolutely nothing to do with China because most of them come from South America. They ask so little and give so much the dainty lantern-like flowers come in so many delightful colours they provide colour in the garden for most of the year. If in doubt about watering, err on the side of caution and keep the plant on the dry side, as the caudex-like base will provide the plant with additional irrigation.Chinese Lanterns (Abutilon hybrids) are one of my five top plants for a warm climate garden. While the plants appreciate some moisture, they dislike standing in water. Protect your lantern plants from hot afternoon sun by hanging it indoors or under some trees. Grow plants in moist, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can also be grown as an epiphyte without any soil at all. The weeping habit lends itself well to hanging baskets. The plant does well in both sun and shade, although it tolerates more sun in coastal areas with cooler temperatures. They endure temperatures in the Himalayan foothills from 32 to 80 degrees F. Himalayan lanterns are hardy to USDA zone 7. These bright red flowers give the plant its name, as they resemble Chinese lanterns. These delicate branches are lined with thin green to red tinged leaves augmented by red tubular blooms further decorated with lighter red chevrons. Long arching branches of 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.) in length spring from its caudex-like base. The plant produces a large woody tuber at the base. It is drought tolerant once established and can tolerate low temps for a short period, down to 22 degrees F. It is native to the cool Himalayas and grows as an evergreen shrub. Himalayan lantern plant ( Agapetes serpens) is a member of the Ericaceae family.

What is a Himalayan lantern? This unique plant has gorgeous red to pink blossoms that give way to lovely lavender to purple berries reminiscent of its relative the blueberry. If you live in a temperate region and want to try growing a more exotic hanging plant, give the Himalayan lantern plant a try.

Chinese lantern plant care