Botanical Name: Lavatera thuringiaca
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Common Name: Tree Mallow  
Plant photo of: Lavatera thuringiaca
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Annual

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Lavender, Pink, Violet, White

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

n/a

 

Special Uses

Container

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

Tree mallows are a lovely group of woody, flowering plants, which, unfortunately, are not very winter hardy so are best treated as an annual. They can grow 3 to 5 feet tall, and have hibiscus-like flowers mid to late summer. Flower colors tend to be in the pinks to lavenders, and blend well with ornamental grasses and larger perennials. Does well in containers, though again, don't be surprised if it doesn't over-winter.
Grow in full sun in well drained, loamy soil. Does well in containers, though don't count on it over-wintering, as it is not hardy enough to dependably survive our winters. To increase its chances of overwintering, plant it where it will receive a lot of winter sun, and preferably reflective heat, such as against a south or west facing wall.