Indian mallow (Abutilon fruticosum)

Indian mallow

Also known as: Sweet indian mallow

Indian mallow is a drought tolerant-perennial with orange blooms. It is a member of the mallow family and attracts birds and butterflies. Quail consume the seeds for food. It is also known as Sweet Indian Mallow.

Scientific classification

Species

Indian mallow (Abutilon fruticosum)

Mallows, rock-roses, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

90 cm to 1.8 m

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Indian mallow

Distribution of Indian mallow

Distribution Map

Indian mallow is a plant with a native range spanning across parts of the African savannah and arid regions, the Middle East, and Southwest Asia. It has spread to some areas of Central America. Its natural habitat encompasses climatically diverse regions from the Sahara Desert to the subtropical areas, though it does not commonly extend into temperate zones.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dry areas on cliffs, slopes, limestone outcrops, prairies, and in open woods and chaparral

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Indian mallow

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Indian mallow thrives in arid environments with low water availability and high drought tolerance. Water indian mallow every 2-3 weeks, allowing soil to dry between sessions. Its deep root system efficiently utilizes infrequent rainfalls, making indian mallow ideal for dry climates and water-conservative gardens.

Fertilize: Fertilize indian mallow seasonally with balanced fertilizers, focusing on high nitrogen during spring and summer for growth. Apply quarterly, using a teaspoon for young plants. Reduce feeding in dormancy to prevent overload. Water indian mallow before fertilizing to enhance nutrient absorption and prevent root burn.

Pruning: Indian mallow features bell-shaped flowers and benefits from annual pruning, which includes removing dead branches and thinning for air circulation. Prune in early to late winter during dormancy to enhance blooming and vigor, using sharp tools to minimize damage and disease risk.

Propagation: Indian mallow is a robust shrub suitable for propagation via cuttings, which should contain several leaf nodes. Using rooting hormone enhances rooting success when planted in well-draining soil. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging until roots establish before relocating indian mallow to its final growing site.

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Images of Indian mallow

Distribution of Indian mallow

Care Guide for Indian mallow

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