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Herbaceous Perennial

Malva 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
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

Get involved

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