Abutilon megapotamicum has been hardy for me in a container for at least a couple of seasons - I'm interested to see how well it faired this winter :-) It is considered more of a trailing or semi-vining form rather than the shrubby type and the flowers are rather small - red calyx and yellow petals. And I know of several A. vitifoliums in the Snohomish area that have been around for years, but they have purply-blue flowers.

A. pictum and some of the hybrids will overwinter in mild years but I'd not consider them hardy. Like hardy fuchsias, they are pretty darn late to leaf out, often showing no signs of new growth until nearly May.

In a word, no. Try fanning out against a hot, sheltered wall, if you have such a spot. If you are in a Banana Belt neighborhood within sight of salt water you will get greater longevity from it than if you are not. Places right on the beach can be quite mild, grow large specimens of borderline plants like these.

Hi drcindy.

I have about 6 types of Abutilon, and they all came through the winter with just some minor leaf burn. I do realize winter is not over yet, but so far, so good. I am not home right now, but when I get over there, I will post a couple of pics, as well as the names of the varieties. Here is a link to some photos taken after the last freeze. I can't remember if there are any Abutilon or not. I do know there is a picture of Acacia dealbata seedlings, and Banksia marginata(from seed planted in yard in 1997) that have taken the weather with stride without any help from me. In fact I all the plants there are on thier own during the winters. Take care.

-Brian

Here is a link that might be useful: Some Yard Pics-Acacia, Eucalyptus, etc....

Since he has the Washington Champion Nymansay eucryphia, over 50 ft. tall right down the street Brian is apparently in a mild spot.

Here is a picture of Abutilon 'victor reiter'. This is not a picture of mine, but mine is just the same. In my mind, you cannot do better than this one. It is evergreen, and blooms most of the winter. I love the huge flowers and leaves. The flowers are almost like Hibiscus rosa-sinensis! I believe Cistus has this one, I bought mine from them. Right now mine has plump buds ready to bloom, or maybe they have already started blooming. I really could not believe the flower buds were not hurt by the freeze we had. Ron is right, I live right on the Sound, and I have a fairly mild spot, so keep that in mind if purchasing these semi-hardy beauties. Take care.

-Brian

I remember seeing one at A Garden of Distinction in the Georgetown neighborhood that was taller than I am, so it must have been wintered over. But it was in a very sheltered location.