Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ 957Eedible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 21 Oct 2026methodology → read
Home/Plants/Malvaceae

Abutilon x suntense

Abutilon x suntensefam. Malvaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
edibleshrubsedibleedible flowernative asiaornamentaltree
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
pressed specimen — abutilon x suntense
Pl. 957E — Abutilon x suntense
Abutilon x suntenseAbutilon x suntenseAbutilon x suntenseAbutilon x suntenseAbutilon x suntenseAbutilon x suntenseAbutilon x suntenseAbutilon x suntenseAbutilon x suntenseAbutilon x suntenseAbutilon x suntenseAbutilon x suntenseAbutilon x suntenseAbutilon x suntense
I

Overview

Abutilon x suntense, a hybrid within the Malvaceae family, is an ornamental shrub known for its light and airy form, often reaching heights of 8 meters. Native to regions with mild climates in USDA zones 7-10, this plant thrives in various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, and prefers moist conditions. It is adaptable to both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile choice for gardeners. The flowers of Abutilon x suntense are edible and can be enjoyed raw or used in various preparations. They are often picked and eaten fresh, adding a delicate flavor to salads or used as a garnish. The blooms can also be dried for later use in teas or infusions. Known for its distinctive, lobed leaves and vibrant blooms, this shrub garners attention for its aesthetic appeal and culinary versatility. Its ability to grow well under full sun or partial shade makes it a practical addition to gardens, enhancing both their visual appeal and providing edible elements.

Quick answers

What is Abutilon x suntense?

Abutilon x suntense, a hybrid within the Malvaceae family, is an ornamental shrub known for its light and airy form, often reaching heights of 8 meters.

Compare with:Abutilon ochsenii→Abutilon vitifolium→Chinese Lantern→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Abutilon x suntense thrives in full to partial sun, though it can tolerate partial shade. It prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This plant is hardy in zones 7-10, making it suitable for temperate regions. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist. The plant can grow up to 8 meters tall, so ample space is necessary. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. Harvest the edible flowers for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Mature size
8.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Abutilon x suntense for the first time

8steps

Start with planting Abutilon x suntense in a sunny spot and follow these beginner-friendly steps.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers if starting indoors.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant outdoors after the last frost in spring or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil. For containers, choose a pot at least 15 cm deep with drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Start seeds indoors in small pots or directly sow outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep soil moist and place in a sunny spot. Water regularly, avoiding overwatering.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun to partial shade. Water when soil feels dry. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting regular fertilization.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Flowers
Edible uses: The flowers of Abutilon x suntense are edible and can be enjoyed raw or used in various preparations. They are often picked and eaten fresh, adding a delicate flavor to salads or used as a garnish. The blooms can also be dried for later use in teas or infusions.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

42 native · 27 introduced
Distribution across5 continents· 42 native· 27 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Portugal
Asia18 regions
native (17)AfghanistanBangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaLaosMaldivesMyanmarNepalOmanPakistanPalestinePhilippinesSri LankaTaiwanThailandVietnam
introduced (1)Iraq
Americas7 regions
introduced (7)ColombiaCubaHaitiJamaicaPeruPuerto RicoUnited States
Africa4 regions
native (1)Mauritius
introduced (3)ComorosRwandaSeychelles
Oceania2 regions
native (1)Nauru
introduced (1)Fiji
Broader regions
native: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, Queensland, Réunion, Rodrigues, South China Sea, Sulawesi, Western Australia
introduced:Brazil North, Chagos Archipelago, Leeward Is., Line Is., Niue, Norfolk Is., Society Is., Tokelau-Manihiki, Trinidad-Tobago, Tuamotu, Tubuai Is., Turks-Caicos Is., Wake I., Windward Is.
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 957e8e60-61b9-433a-bd39-4d38cfbc197a
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes