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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Lavatera thuringiaca
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

tree lavatera

A large, upright herbaceous perennial with downy, greyish-green leaves with three or five lobes. In summer bears open funnel-shaped, long-stalked, purple-pink flowers up to 8cm across

Other common names
garden tree mallow
Synonyms
Lavatera thuringiaca

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Pink Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Malvaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Malva can be annuals, biennials or perennials, with rounded, often palmately lobed leaves and 5-petalled, open funnel-shaped flowers in the leaf axils or in terminal racemes

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Shelter from cold winds. Tends to be short-lived

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wall side borders
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut stems down to base in autumn

Pests

Normally trouble free

Diseases

May be affected by stem rot, soil-borne fungal diseases and rust diseases

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