Annuals & Biennials

Lavatera
tree mallow

- Height 20-36 in (50-90 cm)
- Planting distance 11/2 ft (45 cm)
- Flowers midsummer to early fall
- Ordinary well-drained soil
- Sunny site
- Hardy annual

One species of mallow (Lavatera trimestris) and its cultivars are commonly grown as annuals. This bushy plant, some 2-3 ft (60-90 cm) high, has attractive trumpet-shaped hibiscuslike flowers in shades of pink and white. These appear in the summer and are shown off most effectively in herbaceous borders.

Popular species and cultivars
Several cultivars have been developed from Lavatera trimestris, including the following.
'Loveliness' is an old cultivar producing rose-pink flowers in late summer and early fall. The plants are 3 ft (90 cm) high.
'Mont Blanc' has glistening large white flowers in midsummer on dwarf compact plants, 20-24 in (50-60 cm) high.
'Ruby Regis' grows 2 ft (60 cm) high and bears a profusion of large, deep cerise-red flowers.
'Silver Cup' has bright pink flowers shaded silvery pink. It stands 2 ft (60 cm) high.
'Tanagra' has large, glistening cerise-pink blooms. It is a tall cultivar, reaching 3 ft (90 cm).

Annuals
and
Biennials