Frequently
Asked Questions
CAN I GROW THESE IN HANGING BASKET?
These plants are very unique. They perform quite well
whether in hanging baskets, cascading over pedestals or
grown as a standard upright. They are both upright and
trailing by nature. If planted in a hanging basket use a
large 10 inch diameter. Hang the basket or place it on a
pedestal so the leaves can hang down and grow up as
well. Abutilon flowers offer showy cascading flowers that
are very colorful.
CAN THEY GROW INSIDE YEAR ROUND?
Although they can grow inside year round they prefer
heat and humidity in the summer when in their peak
season.
IS PRUNING NECESSARY?
Abutilon blooms from new growth. These dwarf varieties
form new growth constantly without getting out of
hand. So pruning is not necessary to encourage blooms.
However, pruning heavily or just pinching back can be
done any time of year to encourage a thicker bushier
plant.
PLANT LEAVES ARE YELLOWING WITH WHITE STUFF?
First make sure you have good drainage. In addition
look for mealybugs generally found on the stems and
underside of leaves. These are scale insects and they
are a common insect pest indoors. Other insects that
produce small white “fuzz” are spider mites (small white
thread-like webs.) Prevention is the rule. Mix one half
teaspoon of standard liquid dish soap in quart spray
bottle of water, shake, and mist the plant profusely
bi-monthly.
Thank you for your order!
Take your gardening experience to new heights by
visiting Roberta’s Unique Gardens. Our goal is to
enhance your gardening enjoyment by providing you
with top quality, leading edge perennials and annuals
that are suitable for your garden and home with the
best service imaginable.
Roberta’s Gardens
planting and growing guide
Roberta’s is a 4th generation family owned business and
has been one of the leading commercial exhibitors at
flower and garden shows for over 50 years in the U.S.
and abroad. We search the globe to find easy-to-grow
plants that are unique in themselves or their variety
making them nearly impossible to find elsewhere. Our
passion and commitment continually asks the question,
“What makes a better, unsurpassed, and more beautiful
flower to behold?”
Working with growers and breeders from all over the
world, Roberta’s is able to bring you hard-to-find plants
and new species that will be sweethearts for years to
come.
Thank you for bringing us into your home,
Eric, Kevin, and Koort Wallien
WHERE DO THESE GO IN THE WINTER SEASON
Keep above freezing. Place in a bright-lighted room or
sunny window area and reduce watering to once a week.
DOES DEADHEADING OLD BLOSSOMS ENCOURAGE
BLOOMS
Deadheading does not encourage new blooms. It is for
esthetic reasons only.
Lucky Lantern Abutilon
(Abutilon pictum hybrids)
First Things First...
When your plant arrives from Roberta’s, remove from the
shipping box immediately.
Remove plastic bag and/or sleeve from around potted
plant(s). Discard any packing material clinging to the
leaves or soil. Pull away any yellow or brown leaves that
may have occurred during transit. If you can not plant it
into garden or larger pot within a few days, make sure it
stays well watered.
When ready to plant, do the job as early in the day as
possible to avoid extreme soil temperatures that prevent
proper water uptake from the roots. Water them in well
and whisper a few words of wisdom.
1-800-428-9726
Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm EST
Thank you
for bringing us into your home
www.robertasinc.com
quick reference
planting guide
light/sun exposure:
Partial or Full Sun
usda
hardiness zones:
8 to 11
planting distance:
18-24 inches
mature height/spread:
16-20 inches
12-18 inches per plant
)
bloom time:
Summer to Fall - Heavily
Winter to Spring - Intermittently
planting instructions:
Remove plastic bag and sleeve from around
potted plant(s). Discard any packing material
clinging to the leaves or soil. These plants are
very unique. They perform quite well whether
in hanging baskets, cascading over pedestals or
grown as a standard upright.
(soil preparation, depth,
which end is up, etc.)
Planting Guide
1
step
Remove plastic bag and sleeve from around potted plant(s).
Discard any packing material clinging to the leaves or soil.
Pull away any yellow or brown leaves that may have occurred
during transit. If you can not plant it into garden or larger pot
within a few days, make sure it stays well watered.
2
These plants are very unique. They perform quite well
whether in hanging baskets, cascading over pedestals or
grown as a standard upright. They are both upright and
trailing by nature. If planted in a hanging basket use a large
10 inch diameter. Hang the basket or place it on a pedestal
so the leaves can hang down and grow up as well. Abutilon
flowers offer showy cascading flowers that are very colorful.
3
You should place plants outside as long as evening
temperatures stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants
prefer partial sun or dappled light.
4
In spring and summer, these plants respond to regular weekly
fertilizing with a balanced houseplant food that promotes
growth and flowering.
step
step
Continuing Care
PLANT PREPARATION
Remove plastic bag and sleeve from around potted plant(s).
Discard any packing material clinging to the leaves or soil. Pull
away any yellow or brown leaves that may have occurred during
transit. If you can not plant it into garden or larger pot within a
few days, make sure it stays well watered.
POTTED PLANTS
These plants are very unique. They perform quite well whether in
hanging baskets, cascading over pedestals or grown as a standard
upright. They are both upright and trailing by nature. If planted in
a hanging basket use a large 10 inch diameter. Hang the basket or
place it on a pedestal so the leaves can hang down and grow up
as well. Abutilon flowers offer showy cascading flowers that are
very colorful.
SOIL
They like bagged potting mixes for houseplants that will drain
well. Most garden centers carry various brand names with perlite,
vermiculite, soil and sand.
GARDEN PREPARATION
If you live where it rarely dips below 30F, they may be planted
directly into the garden. If your soil is clayish amend it with a
standard garden soil for adequate drainage.
PLANTING SPACING
If planting into the garden space them 1 to 2 feet apart. If
planting into a container allow for adequate air ventilation on deck
or patio.
PLANT HEIGHT AND WIDTH
These will grow up to maximum of 16 to 20 inches tall and wide.
WATER
Water the plants thoroughly letting the excess water drain
through the bottom of the pot. Be sure to keep excess water out
of any tray underneath pot. Keep moist, during the spring and
summer repeating twice a week all summer long. Water less in
winter allowing the soil to dry a little.
FERTILIZER
To promote more flowers use a well balanced fertilizer like
Roberta’s Flower Magic Plant Food (M7503) once a week April
through October.
LIGHTING
Partial sun or full sun is best outside in summer. In the winter
inside the home, bright light is sufficient.
BLOOMING
They will bloom heavily in summer through late autumn. In winter
to spring, they will bloom intermittently.
TEMPERATURE ZONE 8 to 11
In pots, these are hardy down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit
without damaging the plant. If you live where it rarely dips below
freezing, they may remain outside year round. Keep above 60F to
get year round growth.
Additional Reference
Abutilon
Shipped
As Shown
Lucky Lantern Red
Lucky Lantern Tangerine
Lucky Lantern Yellow
step
10-2011-R0