About Callianthe picta (Gillies ex Hook. & Arn.) Donnell
Nomenclature
Scientific name: Callianthe picta (Gillies ex Hook. & Arn.) Donnell, originally described as Abutilon pictum.
Growth Habit and Size
It is a shrub growing to 5 metres (16 ft) tall by 2 metres (6.6 ft) wide.
Leaf Characteristics
The leaves are 5–15 cm long, three- to five- (rarely seven-) lobed.
Flower Appearance
The yellow to orange-red bell shaped flowers have prominent dark red veining, with five petals 2–4 cm long.
Bloom Period
It blooms from April to September, and longer in warmer subtropical areas.
Pollinator Interactions
The flowers attract pollinators, such as native bees and hummingbirds.
Etymology
The Latin specific epithet picta means "painted".
Ornamental Cultivation Uses
It is cultivated as a popular ornamental plant, for use in gardens in subtropical and warm temperate climates. It is also planted in containers or pots, on patios and balconies outdoors, or as a winter house plant.
Light and Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in light shade or full sun, and is frost tender, not tolerating temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F).
Soil Requirements
It requires moist soil, preferring fertile sandy, loamy, or well-drained clay soils.
