Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Lavatera olbia 'Eye Catcher'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A compact, upright, bushy, short-lived semi-evergreen perennial to around 200cm in height, with grey-green lobed foliage. Masses of pink flowers with darker pink streaks and a reddish-pink eye appear from July through to September

Synonyms
Lavatera olbia 'Eye Catcher'
Lavatera 'Eye Catcher'
see moreLavatera × clementii 'Eye Catcher'
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Red Pink Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Malvaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in light, moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun to part shade, although the flower colours will be more intense if grown in full sun; may need support if grown in richer soils (see staking perennials). Shelter from cold winds in areas prone to frost

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring or autumn, or by softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to hollyhock rust and soil-borne fungal diseases

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.