Chinese Lantern
Abutilon x hybridumfam. Malvaceae
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Pl. 1235 — Abutilon x hybridum
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IOverview
Overview
Chinese Lantern, scientifically known as Abutilon x hybridum and belonging to the Malvaceae family, is an ornamental plant native to regions including New Zealand, Afghanistan, and parts of Southeast Asia. It thrives in full or partial sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy in zones 9-11, this plant grows up to 3 meters tall and is valued for its edible flowers. Its distinctive feature lies in the papery lantern-like fruit it produces, which adds a unique aesthetic appeal to gardens.
Quick answers
What is Chinese Lantern?
Chinese Lantern, scientifically known as Abutilon x hybridum and belonging to the Malvaceae family, is an ornamental plant native to regions including New Zealand, Afghanistan, and parts of Southeast Asia. It thrives in full or partial sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Chinese Lantern thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 3 meters tall and is hardy in zones 9-11. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. The edible parts include the flowers.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-11
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Chinese Lantern for the first time
8steps
Start with Chinese Lanterns to add vibrant color and easy care to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a small trowel, a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before planting out.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil. For containers, choose one at least 30 cm wide with drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors in small pots or directly sow outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist. Shield from strong sun for a few days to help acclimate.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced plant food.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Remove dead flowers for continuous bloom.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Flowers
Edible uses: The flowers of the Chinese Lantern (Abutilon x hybridum) are edible and can be eaten raw or used in cooked dishes. They add a mild flavor to salads or can be incorporated into soups and stews for added color and texture.
Other uses:Espalier
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Asia9 regions
native (9)AfghanistanBangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaLaosMaldivesMyanmarNepal
Africa1 region
native (1)Mauritius
Oceania1 region
native (1)Nauru
Broader regions
native:New Zealand South, Andaman Is., Caroline Is., East Himalaya, Gilbert Is., Hainan, Howland-Baker Is., Kazan-retto, Laccadive Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Marianas, Nansei-shoto, Nicobar Is., Northern Territory, Ogasawara-shoto, New Zealand North
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Malvaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Malvaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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