Corynabutilon vitifolium

Cultivation Details

Corynabutilon vitifolium is a plant of subtropical regions and is only hardy outdoors in the milder areas of the temperate zone. It can tolerate occasional temperatures down to between -5 to -10°c when given the protection of a sunny, sheltered facing wall^{[1, 2, 3]}. A deep mulch in winter and tying in growth to the wall will maximise protection in winter^[3]. If the plant is cut back by cold weather, it will normally resprout from the base in the spring and can flower on the current year's growth^[4]. An easily grown plant, fast to establish and flower from seed and growing best in coastal areas^[5]. In hot summer climates it requires partial shade, plus ample humidity and moisture in the growing season^[5]. Requires a sunny position or part day shade in a fertile well-drained soil^[3]. Dislikes drought^[3]. Plants do not like windy conditions^[5]. A plant of the cultivar 'Album', growing in an open position at Westonbirt Arboretum, was 2 metres tall and flowering prolifically in June 1994^[PFAF]. Plants tend to be short-lived in cultivation, dying suddenly without any apparent cause. This is probably because they flower so profusely that they die of exhaustion^[1]. They produce an abundance of fertile seed, however, and this normally breeds true to type, whether from the white or the purple-flowered form^[1]. Dead-heading plants to prevent seeding can enhance longevity^[3]. Tip-prune young plants to promote a bushy habit, older plants can be cut back hard annually in spring if required^[3]. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value^[3]. 'Album' has very nice tasting flowers^[PFAF]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus^[3].