Plant in full to part sun along the coast but give some shelter from the sun inland. Plants in full sun require regular irrigation but in more shade Abutilon is somewhat drought tolerant. Hardy and evergreen to 25° F but can defoliate and survive to at least 20° F (In our garden in 1990 this plant was undamaged at 18° F). As with other Abutilon, keep vigilant on pest problems (white fly particularly) and trim out lanky stems and tip back plants in the spring to keep manageable. A good plant for attracting hummingbirds.

Abutilon 'Nabob' was the result of hybridizing two Brazilian species, Abutilon darwinii and Abutilon pictum (AKA A. striatum), though some list it as Abutilon x milleri hybrid, which is listed as Abutilon megapotamicum crossed with Abutilon pictum. The name for the genus comes from the Arabic name “aubutilon" that was given to a mallow-like plant though in 2012 the parents of this plant were moved to the genus Callianthe based on molecular evidence that separated them from Abutilon. Until such time that this new name gets wider recognition we continue to use the older name. As Abutilon 'Nabob' this plant received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993. We aquired this plant at a Huntington Botanic Garden Sale in 1984 and first listed it in our 1986 catalog. 

This information about Abutilon x hybridum 'Nabob' displayed on this web page is based on research we have conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations we have made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how our crops have performed in containers in the nursery field. Where appropriate, we will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant.