ABUTILON 'Kentish Belle'

Evergreen - to semi evergreen. Narrowly ovate, shallowly-lobed, dark-green leaves to 4cm (1½in) long.

Semi-evergreen - Keeps some of its foliage all year, and will drop some leaves as well.

Yellow - yellow and crimson

Height - 2.5m (8ft)

Spread - 2.5m (8ft)

Tall Shrub - slender, arching, dark purple-brown shoots. Produces pendent flowers along the young shoots.

Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winter - Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F)

Full sun

Partial shade

Additional Features - Good to know - can flower through winter in a conservatory.

Pests & Diseases - whiteflies, red spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects (particularly in glasshouse).

Place of origin - garden origin. UK. 1950s. Mr Pike, Head gardener at Hever Castle, Kent.

Resistant to honey fungus - These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.

Flower Shape - Bell/Lantern - 6-8cm (2½-3in) long

Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -

Seasonal Interest - Autumn

Spring

Summer

Soil Conditions - Fertile well drained soil

Neutral to acid soil