Trailing Abutilon
Abutilon megapotamicum
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Abutilon megapotamicum is the trailing one of the flowering maples, a slender, half-vining deciduous shrub that drapes and clambers rather than standing stiffly upright. Its species name means "of the big river," for the Rio Grande basin of southern Brazil where it grows wild, and like the rest of its tribe it belongs not to the maples its leaves suggest but to the mallow family, in company with hibiscus and hollyhock.
The flowers are its whole charm: curious hanging lanterns, each a swollen red calyx from which a skirt of yellow petals and a dark tuft of stamens protrude, swinging along the branches from late summer well into fall. Hummingbirds and bees find them readily. A Victorian favorite for the conservatory and the hanging basket, it has never quite gone out of fashion among gardeners who like a plant that does something unexpected.
It can be used in several ways: left to spill several feet across a bed in a single season, trained up a support or trellis, or planted in a basket where the lanterns can dangle. Give it full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. In zone 8 it behaves as a dieback shrub, cut down by frost and returning from the base; in warmer zones it holds more of its frame.
Site it where the hanging flowers can be read at eye level or above, against a wall, over the edge of a raised bed, or from a basket on the porch, where its long season of quirky bloom can be enjoyed up close.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–10
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Moist, Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 24–36 Inches · Spread 36–48 Inches
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Seasonality
- Dies back, depends on zone
fuchsia-like flowers, tubular red calyxes with yellow closed petals
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.