Lavatera's - Tree Mallows

GROWING TREE MALLOWS [LAVATERA] If you have an empty border, or a big space you want to fill quickly with colour, then it's hard to beat these fantastic members of the Hollyhock. In just one season, these free growing shrubs will attain almost maturity, easily 6' or more and as much across. The softly furry leaves and stems are densely clustered with saucer like mallow flowers, from July right to the frosts. Hard to beat for sheer flower-power. For the best effect, observe a few preferences. Although generally easy to grow avoid heavy or poorly drained soils. They may thrive initially but will prove short-lived. Ordinary soil, or soils with good drainage will provide great results and needn't be too fertile. And a position in full sun is always enjoyed. Avoid windy sites because the branches can be brittle. I have also seen Lavatera grown against a sunny wall, to superb effect. If grown in the open border, allow about 8' for an established specimen. Pruning is generally unnecessary except to remove dead wood in early spring. You can also shorted some of the main leaders by about a third at this time, if you want to and this does promote more new growths that produce the flowers. VARIETIES A few new varieties have come onto the market recently but this family remains fairly short on choice. My top three would be: LAVATERA 'CANDY FLOSS' Generous in flower, the blooms are a clearer icing sugar pink than the original species, and larger. They have a lovely frilly outliner and the foliage is slightly more grey. LAVATERA MARITIMA Much less often seen than the rest of this family - and so worth seeking out! The pale lilac-white flowers have a stunning burgundy blotch - absolutely unmissable when in full flower. [pictured] LAVATERA OLBIA ROSEA This is the original species and the shrub most often seen in gardens. It never fails to produce a mass of flower in an old fashioned shade of madder-rose, deeper in bud. It's always a delight. LAVATERA BARNSLEY is popular because it’s pure white; but it is prone to reversion. LAVATERA RED RUM Is a nice more compact form with a deeper colour although not as hardy.