Lavatera is an annual flower that is related to both hibiscus and hollyhock.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Lavatera, or rose mallow, is a pink to fuchsia annual flower. See more pictures of annuals. |
How to grow: Grow rose mallow in full sun and average, well-drained soil. Plant outdoors as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring. Space approximately one foot apart.
Propagation: Sow directly in the garden where the plants will stay; it is difficult to successfully transplant seedlings. For earlier bloom, sow indoors six to eight weeks prior to outdoor planting. Seeds germinate in 14 to 21 days at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Uses: Lavatera can be used along pathways or walks, or grow a row of them from the middle to the rear of a border bed, depending on border height. The pink and white colors mix well with other flower colors. Lavatera makes good cut flowers.
Related varieties: Mont Blanc has pure-white flowers; Mont Rose is rose-pink; and Silver Cup has large, pink flowers.
Scientific name: Lavatera trimestris
Want more information? Try these:
- Annual Flowers. Discover your favorite annual flowers. We've organized them by color, sunlight, soil type, and height to make it easy to plan your garden.
- Annuals. There's more to an annuals garden than flowers. Learn about all of the annuals that enhance your garden.
- Perennial Flowers. Complement your annuals with these delightful perennial flowers. They are also organized by height, soil type, sunlight, and color.
