Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Lavatera trimestris or Rose mallow

The genus Lavatera, family Malvaceae, comprises 25 species of herbaceous plants native to the Mediterranean region, Australia, Central Asia, the Canary Islands, and the southwestern United States. Some species are: Lavatera trimestris, Lavatera arborea, Lavatera assurgentiflora, Lavatera maritima, Lavatera acerifolia, Lavatera punctata, Lavatera cretica, Lavatera thuringiaca.

Common names: Common annual tree mallow, Annual mallow, Rose mallow, Royal mallow. This species is native to the Mediterranean region.

They are erect plants that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The alternate leaves are rounded, oval, or webbed in shape and deep green or yellowish green. The showy flowers are large, trumpeted in shape and pink or white.

These very easy-to-grow plants are used on borders and in flowerbeds.

Lavatera trimestris needs full sun exposure and average annual temperatures between 15-25 ºC (59-77 ºF).

The soil can be a very well drained garden substrate rich in organic matter.

Water frequently (0.5 liters/0.13 galon / plant every day) in summer to promote abundant flowering; the plant withers if it lacks water. The rest of the year, half a liter of water every two days per plant is enough.

Fertilize during the summer with mineral fertilizer every 10 days.

They can be attacked by aphids, insects and caterpillars.

They propagate by seeds sown in spring in the final location or in the nursery.

Images of the plant Lavatera trimestris or Rose mallow