A peal of flowers

摘要

Easy to grow, and much admired for their generous displays of nodding flowers, abutilons make great plants for patio containers, conservatories or even sheltered gardens, as Tim Miles describes. THE ENCHANTING world of abutilons is one with which many gardens have had only a fleeting encounter. Admired for their elegant bell-shaped flowers, diey are available in a range of colours, and bloom for much of the year. Their evergreen foliage varies in size, and in some is the main attraction. They are suited to patios or sheltered gardens, as most have some frost tolerance and can be overwintered with a little protection, many making fine conservatory plants. Others are surprisingly hardy. While few are offered by garden centres, a wide range is available from nurseries, including some fine new selections.