Warm winter - Ask Extension
I have an Indian Mallow that is planted outdoors. I usually mulch it heavily after it dies back to overwinter. However, thus year it has not died bac...
Knowledgebase
Warm winter #923340
Asked January 05, 2026, 4:04 PM EST
I have an Indian Mallow that is planted outdoors. I usually mulch it heavily after it dies back to overwinter. However, thus year it has not died back and still has blooms on it. Should I go ahead and cut it back/mulch now in case of colder weather in February?
Polk County Oregon
Expert Response
Corrections to name. It is an Abutilon flowering maple.
Dear Laurie,
Thank you for contacting us about your Abutilon. There are several species of this plant, with varying degrees of cold hardiness. Some need to be wintered indoors if temperatures dip below 28F degrees. Others, like Abutilon megapotanicum, can withstand temperatures down to 10F degrees. You seem to be doing quite well with a plant that is marginally harder in our growing zone.
It's difficult to predict what our weather will be from year to year because of the volatility of climate change. If you are unsure of your species but it has withstood previous winters, you certainly can continue your usual practices.
If you are enjoying the blooms and night time temperatures are mild, you might just add a layer of mulch over the root zone now and keep an eye on the overnight weather forecasts.
If temperatures are predicted to go much below freezing, or the foliage begins to show frost damage, provide more significant protection such as frost blankets and heavy mulching. If you also choose to cut it back, I suggest leaving long stems which can help protect the crown of the plant.
I hope this is helpful. Please write again any time you have questions.
Thank you for contacting us about your Abutilon. There are several species of this plant, with varying degrees of cold hardiness. Some need to be wintered indoors if temperatures dip below 28F degrees. Others, like Abutilon megapotanicum, can withstand temperatures down to 10F degrees. You seem to be doing quite well with a plant that is marginally harder in our growing zone.
It's difficult to predict what our weather will be from year to year because of the volatility of climate change. If you are unsure of your species but it has withstood previous winters, you certainly can continue your usual practices.
If you are enjoying the blooms and night time temperatures are mild, you might just add a layer of mulch over the root zone now and keep an eye on the overnight weather forecasts.
If temperatures are predicted to go much below freezing, or the foliage begins to show frost damage, provide more significant protection such as frost blankets and heavy mulching. If you also choose to cut it back, I suggest leaving long stems which can help protect the crown of the plant.
I hope this is helpful. Please write again any time you have questions.
