Abutilon ‘Nabob’
This is one of a large group of hybrids, probably the result of a cross between A.darwinii and A. striatum, but possibly also involving A.pictum. These striking evergreen and semi-deciduous shrubs have bell-shaped flowers in colours ranging from white, yellow, and orange to red. ‘Nabob’ has dark green leaves and very dark red flowers in summer. Other good forms include: ‘Canary Bird’ with bright yellow flowers; and ‘Louis Marignac’, a 19th-century form with pale pink flowers.
Cultivation Grow in fertile, well-drained soil, with protection from very strong winds. Prune in late winter.
Height to 2m (6 ½ft); spread to 1m (3ft). USZ 9–11, surviving -6.5°C (20°F) of overnight frost for short periods only. Requires water in summer. Z8.