Please identify this flower I photographed on October 30 in the perennial garden in front of the Haupt Conservatory.
Answer
The plant in your photo is Abutilon, known as flowering maple for the shape of its leaves, or Chinese lantern. A member of the mallow family (Malvaceae), it is an annual plant in this climate and goes into the garden as a fall replacement for plants that have already died back; it is taken back inside as tempertures drop.
There are several Abutilon cultivars and species in use at NYBG. It is not possible to say with certainty which one this is without seeing the leaves and stem color but it is probably Abutilon 'Biltmore Ballgown'.
Let us know if we can be of further help.
Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service
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