They say a weed is only a plant in the wrong place. And that Auckland is the weed capital of the word, not surprising when you consider how benign the climate is, not too cold to kill things off in winter, plenty of moisture, good soil....So once desirable plants such as the arum lily and agapanthus become villains because they grow too damn well. Which brings me to the reason for this post, I spotted this gorgeous grove of Chinese lantern (abutilon) growing beneath the tree canopy around a creek near where I live yesterday as I walked with my daughter. I love the plant and would like to have some in my new garden if I can find a place shady enough for them. The birds like them too, with white eyes and tui big fans of the nectar filled trumpet shaped blooms.
Will Chinese lanterns start appearing on the noxious weeds list some time soon? I hope not. But moist, sheltered shady gullies like the one where I found this grove are not uncommon in Auckland so who knows?