Well, The Arbor Gate certainly lives up to its tagline. On a recent visit, pre-deep freeze, to buy plants for my neighbor’s porch, we came across this beautiful specimen with blooms that look like Christmas ornaments. It’s actually a variety of Chinese Lantern and today is the Lantern Festival celebrating the last day of Chinese New Year.
An heirloom variety from the famous Biltmore Estate in Ashville, NC, Abutilon Biltmore Ball Gown is incredibly striking with its dangling, tiger-striped blooms. Talk about a plant with style! It matures to about 4 feet tall and grows best in a bright shade to filtered light area. As long as it’s actively growing, it will continue to flower and it’s like a hardy Hibiscus, of which it is a close relative. Here in zone 9a Abutilon Biltmore Ball Gown will remain almost completely evergreen, unless we have a severe winter (oh boy!). It also makes an excellent houseplant if you can give it enough light.
Happy to share that The Arbor Gate is reopening today, February 26th at 9 am. Click here for an incredibly thorough, step-by-step guide on how to address your garden and landscape after Winter Storm Uri by Angela Chandler – courtesy of The Arbor Gate.
We are looking forward to our next field trip with the garden club. Meanwhile, take your own journey to browse the magnificent displays and to get sound advice on rebuilding your garden from knowledgeable pros.
The Woodlands Garden Club 