Deciduous Shrubs

Abutilon x hybridum 'Tiger Eye'

Tiger Eye abutilon

Malvaceae

South America (Brazil, Argentina, Peru)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height3–5 feet (90–150 cm)
Width2–3 feet (60–90 cm)
Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

9 - 11
Zone 9
Zone 10
Zone 11
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Hummingbirds
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

A fast-growing tender shrub treated as an annual in frost-prone climates, reaching 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) tall and 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) wide in a single season. Stems erect to spreading, softly hairy. Leaves maple-like, palmate with 3–5 lobes, 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) across, medium to deep green. Pendant, bell-shaped flowers 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) long, borne singly in leaf axils; petals yellow-orange with distinct reddish-orange veining that creates the namesake striped appearance. Blooms from spring through first frost, producing flowers continuously over 6–8 months in frost-free climates. In frost-free zones 9–11, grows as a woody perennial shrub reaching 6–8 feet (180–240 cm). Stems become woody over multiple seasons.

Native Range

Abutilon × hybridum is a complex hybrid derived primarily from South American species including A. striatum, A. darwinii, and other Abutilon species native to Brazil, Argentina, and Peru. The parent species grow in forest margins, disturbed habitats, and scrubland from sea level to 5,000 feet (1,500 m).

Suggested Uses

Grown in mixed annual borders at 24–30 inch (60–75 cm) spacing for a summer-through-fall flowering display. Commonly used in containers of 5–10 gallons (19–38 L) on patios. In zones 9–11, used as a background shrub or informal hedge. Attracts hummingbirds to tubular pendant flowers.

How to Identify

Identified by pendant bell-shaped flowers 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) long with yellow-orange petals and conspicuous reddish-orange vein markings on each petal. Leaves palmate, 3–5-lobed, 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) across, resembling Acer foliage. Calyx papery, ribbed, persistent. Stems softly pubescent. Tiger Eye is distinguished from other A. × hybridum cultivars by the strongly veined, bicolored flower pattern.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
orange
red

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~24 weeks
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SpringSummerFall
Blooms from May through first frost in annual culture, typically June through October in zones 5–8. In frost-free zones 9–11, blooms year-round with slight reduction December through February. Individual flowers last 3–5 days; the plant produces new buds continuously at axillary nodes throughout the growing season.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow-orange with reddish-orange veining

Foliage Description

Medium to deep green, palmate lobed

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1 year

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

In zone 8 and colder, plant out after last frost date when soil temperature reaches 60°F (16°C). Space plants 24–30 inches (60–75 cm) apart to allow air circulation. Water when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of soil are dry; plants in containers may need daily watering in summer. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) every 2–3 weeks during the growing season to sustain continuous flowering; nitrogen-heavy formulas promote foliage at the expense of bloom. Spider mites develop in hot, dry conditions; hose foliage weekly to reduce populations. Whitefly infestations occur in enclosed spaces; monitor and treat with insecticidal soap at first sign. In zones 9–11, cut back by half in late winter to encourage fresh growth.

Pruning

Pinch growing tips when plants reach 12 inches (30 cm) tall to encourage branching and increase flower production. Deadheading spent flowers is not necessary as dropped petals do not impede bud development, but removing them improves appearance. In perennial culture (zones 9–11), prune back by one-third to one-half in late winter before new growth begins.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Unknown