PlantFiles: Trailing Abutilon, Chinese Lanterns
Abutilon megapotamicum 'Variegatum'

I had several of this plant growing as a small hedge. It survived during mild Winters here in the UK but in 2009 I lost most of them because of severe frosts (down to -15 in our area). Last year we had a repeat of severe frosts and the one remaining plant died. I would advise frost protection or bringing it into an unheated greenhouse in areas that have hard frosts.

Acquired as a plug plant from Mair & Thompson in the UK circa 1999. Currently in a large pot and outside during frosts to -4C, looking OK. It has been kept in a cold green house over winter, and doesn't lose all its leaves. Flowers start in early spring and continue thru most of the year, albeit only a few at a time. Foliage attractive with large yellow blotches. Older branches remain bare, and hang in an arched fashion. New growth will eventually start to thicken up the middle. Can be grown against a warm wall as a semi-climber, but attractive as a spray effect if given a suitable height. Said to be slightly tender, grown properly possibly quite hardy.