This species is closely related to Corynabutilon vitifolium[].

Common Name:

General Information

Corynabutilon ochsenii is a much-branched, evergreen shrub that can grow 3.5 metres or more tall. In colder winters it is likely to become deciduous, or the soft-wooded stems may even be cut back to the ground.
The plant is often grown as an ornamental in gardens, having the added bonus of tasty, edible flowers.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Chile

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Corynabutilon ochsenii is a plant of the warm temperate zone in Chile and can tolerate occasional temperatures down to between -5 to -10°c, especially when grown in a warm, sunny, sheltered position[, , ]. The plant can be cut back in cold weather, but will often resprout when the warmer weather returns and that new growth is able to flower freely in the summer[].
Requires a sunny position or part day shade in a fertile well-drained soil[]. Dislikes drought[].
Plants can to be short-lived, dying suddenly without any apparent cause. This is probably because they flower so profusely that they die of exhaustion[]. They produce an abundance of fertile seed, however, and this normally breeds true to type, though it will hybridise with the closely related Corynabutilon vitifolium if this species is nearby[]. Dead-heading plants to prevent seeding can enhance longevity[].
Tip-prune young plants to promote a bushy habit, older plants can be cut back hard annually in spring if required[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Flowers - raw[]. The flowers are up to 5cm in diameter[], they have a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a slightly mucilaginous texture[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[]. Germination should take place within a few weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots. Grow them on for at least the first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of young shoots, early summer in a frame[]. Grow on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant out in spring after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[]. Grow on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant out in spring after the last expected frosts.