Abutilon palmeri (Palmer's Indian Mallow)

Shrub

Jan 26

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Abutilon palmeri
Palmer's Indian Mallow

Blooming at Native West Nursery | May

5 gallons at Native West Nursery | September

Young potted Abutilon palmeri at Native West Nursery before blooming | August

September

Characteristics

Height: 3 - 8 ft

Width: 3 – 5 ft

Hardiness: Very hardy

Natural Setting: Dry, generally east-facing mountain slopes, creosote-bush scrub.¹ Sonoran Desert to Orange County, San Diego County, and San Jacinto Mountains²

Plant Type: Shrub

Dormancy: Evergreen

Form: Rounded

Growth Rate: Fast

Flower Season: Most of the year if watered

Soil: Adaptable, tolerates slow draining soil

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Water Requirements: Low once established

Summer Dry: Tolerates occasional light summer watering but not frequent summer watering.²

Cold Tolerance: Frost tender

Overview

This shrub is native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is relatively rare to find in the wild. Although it is usually found in dry regions, it does surprisingly well in coastal areas as well. This plant provides year-round interest with evergreen silvery heart-shaped foliage and long-blooming orange flowers.

Hardiness

Very hardy and easy to grow. Since it originates from the dry desert regions of Southern California, mature plants can withstand higher temperatures in full sun. As with any young native plant, be sure to provide enough water during the establishment period so that they have time to develop their deep root systems.

Care & Maintenance

Pinching and pruning can help improve the shape of older plants. Removing spent flowers lengthens the flowering period. When frequently watered its leaves have more of a gray-green hue and when it receives less water they are more silver-gray. It will not survive frequent frosts.⁴

Uses

Can be planted in containers.⁴

History

Named after Edward Palmer, a British-born botanist and naturalist who worked extensively with the Smithsonian Institution and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Palmer's impact includes numerous botanical discoveries and collections, particularly from his explorations in regions like California and Death Valley.⁵