Pseudabutilon thurberi Plant Care

Pseudabutilon thurberi (Pseudabutilon thurberi) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Pseudabutilon genus. Pseudabutilon thurberi is native to southern Arizona, Sonora, and Chihuahua.

Pseudabutilon thurberi displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Pseudabutilon thurberi produces bell-shaped flowers in various colors like orange, yellow, or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pseudabutilon thurberi every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Pseudabutilon thurberi thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Pseudabutilon thurberi in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Pseudabutilon thurberi tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Pseudabutilon thurberi prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Pseudabutilon thurberi to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pseudabutilon thurberi every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pseudabutilon thurberi is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Pseudabutilon thurberi can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Pseudabutilon thurberi while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Pseudabutilon thurberi is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Pseudabutilon thurberi can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Pseudabutilon thurberi is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Pseudabutilon thurberi grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Pseudabutilon thurberi is native to southern Arizona, Sonora, and Chihuahua. In cooler regions, grow Pseudabutilon thurberi as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.