Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: P1210663 FZ35

I can never remember the name of these semi-tropical flowers, but they really are quite pretty. This one was growing in the ENMAX Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo, before the tropical plants were replaced by an autumn plant display in the butterfly room. Thanks Suzie (Kazooze) for the ID - much appreciated! This is an Abutilon (Abutilon x hybridum). Common names include Flowering Maple, Chinese Bell Flower and Chinese Lantern. "It is a popular group of hybrids that are semi-tropical, frost-tender shrubs typically growing 2–3 m tall. The lantern-like buds open to solitary, pendulous, bell- to cup-shaped flowers to 8 cm diameter with five overlapping petals and significant staminal columns typical of the mallow family. Flowers come in red, pink, yellow, white and pastel shades. Lobed, maple-like, light green leaves are often variegated with white and yellow." From Wikipedia. We have been going through a deep-freeze the last few days, with still a few more to go before things improve. Last night, it was -27C (-17F) and, though we can get temperatures colder than that, this is plenty cold enough for me! The day before yesterday, the snow on the roads was turning to ice, which makes driving so treacherous. Not my favourite thing, but what do you do? Tonight, it's -26C (windchill -36C!).