Lavatera x clementii Rosea (Tree Mallow)

Among the best Lavateras to grow in gardens, Lavatera x clementii 'Rosea' (Tree Mallow) is a lovely, medium-sized, semi-evergreen shrub. Resembling hollyhock (Alcea rosea), it blooms continuously from early summer until fall in a colorful display of large pink flowers, up to 3 in. wide (8 cm). This vigorous woody shrub is however far more profuse and bushy than perennial hollyhocks and features handsome maple-shaped gray-green leaves. An established specimen may put on thousands of flowers, each one of which is a delight to the eye! Fabulous for summer and fall display, this hybrid, formerly known as Lavatera olbia 'Rosea' is a cross of Lavatera olbia and Lavatera thuringiaca. Fast-growing, easy care, this garden staple will also attract bees and other beneficial insects, which will help to invite natural pest control into your garden. Lavateras are great companion plants to grow with roses and combine beautifully with Nepeta or blue Salvia.

• Awarded the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows upright to 4-8 ft. high (120-240 cm) and wide.
• Easily grown in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soils in full sun. Provide a sheltered location to protect it from cold, drying winds. Mallows thrive in drier soils and are drought tolerant once established.
• Great for wall-side borders, beds and borders, Mediterranean gardens, city gardens, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, gravel gardens, or patio and containers (to be overwintered indoors)
• Attracts butterflies, but is deer and rabbit resistant
• Virtually pest free. May be subject to stem rot, soil-borne fungal diseases, and a rust
• Hard prune to 1 ft (30 cm) in early spring to encourage dense growth and avoid the plant to become leggy.
• Propagate by taking softwood cuttings in spring
• Often short-lived. Expect to replace your Tree Mallow after 5 or 6 years and sooner on heavy clay soils.