How to Grow Orange Flowering Maple
Orange Flowering Maple
Abutilon aurantiacum
shrubOrange Flowering Maple is a tropical to subtropical evergreen shrub known for its pendulous, bell-shaped orange flowers that bloom year-round in warm climates. The plant features soft, maple-like lobed leaves and produces delicate, lantern-like blooms that attract hummingbirds and pollinators. It's prized as an ornamental houseplant and garden specimen in temperate regions.
When should you plant Orange Flowering Maple in your zone?
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Example Orange Flowering Maple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Orange Flowering Maple
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Orange Flowering Maple
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; can be grown in containers indoors in cooler zones
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Seedling
3-4 weeksYoung plants with soft stems and emerging maple-like leaves; very tender and susceptible to temperature stress
Maintain high humidity, keep soil consistently moist, provide bright indirect light, protect from direct sun and cold drafts
Vegetative
4-8 weeksBushy growth with increasingly larger lobed leaves; plant establishes sturdy stems and expanded root system
Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth, fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer, water regularly, ensure good air circulation
Pre-flowering
2-4 weeksPlant reaches mature size with abundant foliage; flower buds begin to form in leaf axils
Continue regular fertilizing, maintain consistent moisture and humidity, increase light exposure to encourage blooming, prune leggy growth if needed
Flowering
Multiple months; year-round in ideal conditionsDelicate, pendulous bell-shaped orange flowers appear continuously along stems; flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators
Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F), continue regular watering and feeding, deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, provide humidity
Fruiting/Seed Production
Ongoing during growing seasonFlowers fade and seed pods form; plant continues to produce new flowers simultaneously
Allow some flowers to set seed if propagation desired, or continue deadheading for continuous flowering, maintain same care regimen
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, mist foliage regularly, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, isolate infested plants
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil, improve air circulation, treat every 7-10 days as needed
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab, spray with insecticidal soap, isolate plant, repeat treatments weekly
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Manually remove with brush, spray with horticultural oil, treat repeatedly every 10-14 days
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, introduce beneficial insects, apply neem oil
Uses
Ornamental Houseplant and Garden Specimen
CraftOrange Flowering Maple is prized as an indoor container plant and warm-climate garden shrub for its year-round bell-shaped orange blooms. The elegant, pendulous flowers add tropical charm to patios, conservatories, and indoor spaces. [source]
Hummingbird and Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe abundant nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the growing season. Planting this species supports local pollinator populations and encourages natural garden activity. [source]
Indoor Air Purification
HouseholdLike many tropical foliage plants, Orange Flowering Maple helps purify indoor air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Its lush foliage contributes to improved indoor air quality in homes and offices. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe bell-shaped orange flowers are edible and can be used as decorative garnishes for salads and desserts, adding visual appeal and a delicate, slightly sweet flavor to dishes. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental plant grown for flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Cut stems can be used in fresh floral arrangements; harvest in early morning when flowers are fully open.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Orange Flowering Maple is not actually a maple despite its maple-like lobed leaves; it's named for the leaf shape resemblance to true maples (Acer species).
- 🌱 This plant produces flowers year-round in tropical climates (zones 10-11) but blooms seasonally in cooler regions, typically spring through fall.
- 🌱 Abutilon species have been hybridized extensively, creating numerous color varieties including red, pink, white, and variegated forms, though the orange variety is particularly striking.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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