Plant in full sun (even with reflected heat) or light shade in hot inland deserts (where it has a more open habit) in a well-draining soil with only occasional to very little irrigation. In dry years can be drought deciduous and so benefits from a periodic watering but does not want to be overwatered, particularly in heavy soils, which it tolerates so long as they drain. Can survive short periods of cold down to around 25° F and if tips are damaged by cold temperatures a bit lower, they can be pruned off in early spring, but in normal years it is best to prune back regularly after flowering. May require protection from rabbits and other herbivores when young. A great plant for the dry garden and particularly nice near paths or seating areas where foliage and flowers can be appreciated.

Indian Mallow is native to the low Sonoran Desert in southern California, Arizona and northwestern Mexico and in the San Jacinto Mountain area where it can be found on dry rocky east facing mountain slopes and Creosote Buch scrublands from 1,800 to 2,400 feet. The name for the genus is a Latinized Arabic word that was used for one species of Abutilon or a similar plant. The specific epithet honors the British born self-taught botanist and naturalist Edward Palmer (1829-1911) who came to the US as a teenager and worked for the Department of Agriculture, the Smithsonian Institute and the Army Medical Museum, eventually leading an expedition to explore the flora and fauna of California and Death Valley. Other common names include Palmer's Abutilon, Superstition Mallow, and Palmer's Indian Mallow. Our plants from seed received from Seedhunt. 

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