Abutilon Tiger Eye Plant – A Guide to Cultivation, Care
Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’ is a flowering plant that has a strikingly beautiful floral pattern. The bell-shaped blooms of this colourful slow-growing shrub have golden-yellow petals with veins of delicate red. It is the ‘V’-shaped veins that give this flowering plant its common name: Tiger Eye. The plant is technically a member of the family Malvaceae, which also consists of the genus Hibiscus and Gossypium (cotton), but it is more commonly known as a ‘Flowering Maple’ because its leaf shape resembles that of a maple.
This is a comprehensive guide discussing Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’ plant and information on growing and its care. The origin, habitat that suits the best, how to take care of it, and other related information will be given in this article.
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Origin and Characteristics of Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’
The genus, which numbers around 150 species of flowering plants, is itself known as ‘Tiger Eye’, and represents one of many hybrids of this species known for their bold appearance. Danehy, Abutilon imperialis ‘Kleinii’ (‘Tiger Eye’). California, USA, 11th December 2013. Photo by David Rosenfeld/Flickr ‘Abutilon’ is taken from the Arabic abyad il-inab, meaning ‘mallow’, in reference to the genus’s inclusion in the Malvaceae family.
Origin and Development
This plant is a hybrid called Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’. A hybrid is a cultivated plant that has been selectively bred by horticulturalists to develop specific desired characteristics. It originated with a historically documented cross-breeding of different Abutilon species to achieve the flower form and robust, upright growth.
Physical Characteristics
‘Tiger Eye’ tops out at 2 to 4 feet high, making it a manageable specimen to include not just in garden beds, but also as the centerpiece for a terracotta container. The compound leaves, which are pretty on their own, are soft and maple-like and provide a beautiful foil for its flowers. The flowers are ‘Tiger Eye’s main event: bright yellow with deep red veining that streaks radially out from the centre of the bloom to create a bold ‘tiger eye’ look. Flowers measure 2-to-3 inches in diameter and emerge from late spring to early fall, depending on conditions.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’
With these observations, the plantkeeper can determine how to provide an environment conducive to healthy new growth and abundant flowering. One’s ability to nurture and properly keep a plant, such as the Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’, ties your personal identity to that plant.
Light Requirements
Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’ needs bright, but indirect sunlight. It can handle direct sun, especially in the morning, but too much intense light will scorch the leaves and cause its flowers to fall off prematurely. If you are growing it indoors, place it near a window so it can receive plenty of light without being exposed to harsh midday sun. Outdoors, a spot that receives dappled sun or partial shade is best.
Soil and Watering Needs
Good well-drained loamy soil that is high in organic matter is the best soil for Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’. A planting mixture that drains but retains moisture will roots from becoming too dry or excessively wet. Amend the planting area by working compost or well-rotted manure into the planting soil.
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. In the growing season, water when the first inch of the soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, which can cause the plant to develop root rot. In the winter, when growth slows down, water less frequently.
Temperature and Humidity
The Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’ grows best when there are moderate temperatures and has been successfully cultivated in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11. In colder climates, it is best grown as an annual or brought indoors for the winter. This plant likes temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C) and will not thrive in areas where there is heavier frosts.
Humidity Humidity is also a big factor – Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’ thrives in a humid environment, so it should be misted regularly or put in a container with some sort of humidity tray so that it can enjoy the moist atmosphere that it loves and deserves, especially if it is being grown indoors.
Fertilization
For Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’ to enjoy full and floriferous growth, fertilisation must be timed properly. A water-soluble, balanced fertiliser should be employed at the rate of every two to four weeks in growing season. Use one that has an equal balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — for example, a 10-10-10 formula works fine. Make sure to adhere to the dilution and application protocols indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions, or risk over-fertilising and sizzling your sweet creature.
Caring for Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’
The job of plant care and attention is not simply a matter of ‘tending’ and ‘cultivating’ an Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’ to thrive by providing the right growing conditions. Pests must also be dealt with; diseases monitored. Pruning, fertilising, moving the pot are just some of the activities included as part of the bundle of practices (including some documentation) that constitutes its care.
Pruning and Shaping
For Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’, pruning is another part of the care that keeps it looking lush and tidy. As with most plants, the best time to prune is early in the spring, right before new growth begins. If there are any dead branches, or damaged stems, cut them back. If there are any leggy stems, cut them back as well to promote a more compact shape. Pinching back the ends of new growth during the growing season will promote more side shoots as well. These new shoots will lead to a more compact, bushier appearance.
Pest and Disease Management
A variety of pests can attack Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’, including aphids, whiteflies and spider mites. Inspection is the best way to prevent serious harm and there are usually organic treatment options for insects. Insecticidal soap or neem oil target most of these pests, and systemic insecticides can be used for heavy infestations.
On the health front, Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’ is vulnerable to fungal infections, especially if grown in too-wet conditions. Allow a good amount of air to circulate around the plant and do not overhead-water, to avoid fungal diseases. Should the signs of fungal infection (such as powdery mildew or leaf spots) appear, remove infected leaves, and apply a fungicide, if need be.
Repotting and Transplanting
When growing Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’ in a container, it may eventually need to be repotted as it gets larger. The best time to repot is in the spring into active growth and before it becomes root-bound, with the new pot being one size larger than the old and filled with fresh, well-drained potting mix. Gently remove the plant from the old pot, tease the roots and place it into the new pot. Water in thoroughly to help the plant settle into the
Benefits of Growing Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’
From a purely aesthetic point of view, Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’ is a wonderful plant. But there are other reasons to grow it, too.
Attracting Pollinators
The bright flowers of Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’ make them especially attractive to visitors such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, meaning that if you plant them in your garden, you’re funnelling support into the hard-working populations of local pollinators that are so important to the successful functioning of many ecosystems. The plants provide extra opportunities for biodiversity in your garden, too, since pollinators seek out a rich range of blooms.
Versatility in Landscaping
The this abutilon makes to container grown applications where it might be moved easily from one area of interest within the garden or patio to another. It can also be used as a border plant, in mixed flower beds or simply as a specimen plant to add a punch of colour. In frost-free climates it can even be easily used as an indoor plant to add a little cheer to an indoor area with these harmonious flowers.
Low Maintenance and Resilience
Maintenance.* One of the best things about Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’ is that it’s relatively easy to take care of. It’s a low-maintenance plant, one that will tolerate the normal bumps that any garden will receive, and thrive under many circumstances. It copes well with the rigours of outdoor gardens at the edge of garden zones, from the burning sun and light frosts to dry air and saline winds. It also grows well in the humidity of greenhouses and on a windowsill, finding its own balance indoors. As a result, Sharleen can keep the plant looking good with minimal effort. And that’s a good thing; Sharleen is a busy person who doesn’t have a lot of time to garden. When it comes to an easy-care plant that looks great and bears flowers with a welcome touch of flair and exoticism, Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’ ticks all the boxes.
Year-Round Interest
While few flowering plants flower throughout most of the year, Abutilon ‘Tiger Eye’ will flowers most of the time, usually from late spring to early fall (but in a mild climate, all year round). Your garden or house will have ever-changing flowers, bringing a blaze of colour to your living space for much of the year.