california native flora

Abutilon Palmeri – Indian Mallow

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On a trip to the Matilija Nursery last year, my eye was caught by a silvery green plant with the brightest golden yellow flowers. It wasn’t on the inventory list, so I had no idea what it was. Turns out it’s Indian Mallow, botanic name Abutilon Palmeri (pam-er-eye). So now it lives in my little 3 plant desert area in the garden. I’ve got it in with Desert Willow (Chilopsis Linearis) and Desert Globemallow aka Apricot Mallow (Sphaeralcea Ambigua). The idea is that these will have similar climactic requirements. Let’s see how that works out.

Once established, this shrub will grow to about 4′ by 4′ and have minimal supplemental water requirements. It needs full sun year round for an annual bloom season but with the sun low in the sky the shadow cast by our south wall is keeping the flowers sparse right now. It’s growing nicely though, should see more consistent blooming in spring.

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