Flowering maple (Callianthe vexillaria)
Care, watering, light and tips for Flowering maple on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Malvaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Flowering maple
Callianthe vexillaria, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, is a perennial shrub from the Malvaceae family, valued for its striking pendulous flowers that resemble small lanterns. Its delicate "flowers" (actually inflated calyces enclosing the true flower) in shades of red, orange, and yellow make it ideal for hanging baskets or as an ornamental plant on patios and balconies. Its abundant and prolonged blooming makes it a vibrant focal point in any garden or terrace.
Native range
South America (Brazil and Paraguay)
Care tips
It requires bright light, but protected from the most intense direct midday sun. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering periods, and reducing it slightly in winter. It prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A common mistake is a lack of pruning, which can lead to leggy growth; prune it lightly after flowering to promote compact growth and more blooms.
How to save a dying Flowering maple
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or droopy leaves, buds that don't open, stunted growth. Very sensitive to stress.
- First aid
- Check watering (moist soil, not waterlogged). Place in semi-shade, protected from strong direct sun and drafts. Fertilize gently.
- What kills it
- Extreme dryness or constant waterlogging, causing root rot. Also strong direct sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's resilient. With quick and tailored care, it will recover and bloom again.