ABUTILON

Half-hardy greenhouse perennial



Handsome plants, two feet or more in height, can be produced from seed

and flowered in a single season. They are useful for training to

greenhouse walls, and they may also be transferred to open borders for

the summer. When employed for the latter purpose, the plants should be

lifted and put into pots about the end of August, after there has been a

penetrating shower. In the absence of rain a soaking of water on the

previous day will prevent the soil from falling away from the roots.



February and March are the right months for sowing seed, and for the

pots any fairly light compost will answer. Prick off the seedlings when

about an inch high, putting the plants in down to the seed-leaves. They

must never be allowed to suffer for want of water, nor should they be

starved in small pots. The growth had better not be hurried at any

stage; the plants will then develop into shapely specimens with very

little care.