Abutilon vitifolium var. album (White abutilon)

Botanical name

Abutilon vitifolium var. album

Other names

White abutilon, Abutilon vitifolium 'Album'

Genus

Abutilon Abutilon

Species

A. vitifolium var. album - A. vitifolium var. album is a large, erect, deciduous shrub with maple-like, dark-green leaves. In summer it bears white, saucer-shaped flowers.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Erect

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

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Colour

Flower

White in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Mealybugs , Scale insects , Glasshouse whitefly , Glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Propagation methods

Softwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Abutilon vitifolium var. album (White abutilon) will reach a height of 4m and a spread of 2.5m after 5-10 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Containers, Wallside and trellises, Greenhouse, Indoor

Cultivation

Plant under glass or indoors in a loam-based potting compost in full light. Can be grown outdoors in warmer climates.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Abutilon vitifolium var. album (White abutilon)

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Abutilon vitifolium var. album (White abutilon)

Common pest name

cotton mealybug

Scientific pest name

Phenacoccus solenopsis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Watching brief for potential impact on tomato production in the Mediterranean. Other southern European countries likely to be more at risk. Precautionary action will be taken on findings on planting material to protect glasshouse crops and botanical gardens.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Abutilon vitifolium var. album (White abutilon)

Common pest name

False codling moth

Scientific pest name

Thaumatotibia leucotreta

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous pest; detected mainly on citrus and peppers. EU regulation under consideration following recurrent interceptions.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/