Lavatera
Malva trimestris
Also called annual mallow
Lavatera, also called annual mallow, is an upright annual with pink or white funnel-shaped flowers. It grows best in full sun and can be sown outdoors or started indoors before the last spring frost.
Quick facts
- Germination time
- Not yet verified
- Germination temperature
- Not yet verified
- Sowing depth
- Not yet verified
- Spacing between plants
- Not yet verified
- Days to maturity
- Not yet verified
- Sun
- Full sun, partial shade
Safety for cats and dogs: not yet verified.
By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated
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01 · Overview
About lavatera
Lavatera (Malva trimestris), also called annual mallow, is an upright annual that comes from the Mediterranean region. It makes a shrubby plant with saucer-shaped flowers about 3 inches (7.6 cm) across in white or pink. The funnel-shaped blooms appear in mid to late summer and have darker veining in the throat.
Size. At maturity the plant reaches about 2 to 4 feet (61 to 122 cm) tall and 2 to 3 feet (61 to 91 cm) wide, and it may need staking.
Growing details
- Start indoors
- 6–8 weeks before the last frost
- Sow outdoors
- 2 weeks before the last frost
- Water
- Not yet verified
- Containers
- Yes
- Height
- 0.6–1.2 m2–4 ft
- Spread
- 61–91 cm2–3 ft
- Frost tolerance
- Hardy
- Soil pH
- Not yet verified
- Life cycle
- Annual
Sowing timeline
When to sow lavatera seeds
Counted from your area's average last spring frost date. Find yours from a local weather service or garden center, then count back or forward.
- Frost tolerance
- Hardy
02 · How to grow
How to grow lavatera from seed
When and how to sow. Sow seed directly in the garden about two weeks before the last spring frost. For an earlier bloom, start seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Seed can also be sown in place in mid-spring.
Site and soil. Plant it in full sun in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Where summers are hot, some afternoon shade helps.
03 · Care
Caring for lavatera
Deadheading and pruning. Remove spent flowers to extend the bloom period. Cut the plant back after flowering.
Self-seeding. In some areas the plant may self-seed.
At a glance
How lavatera compares with other flowers
Worked out from the growing facts of the 79 seeds in Flowers on SeedBattle.
- Lavatera
- Each of the other flowers
- Their average
- HeightTaller than average
0.6–1.2 m2–4 ft
Average for flowers: 70 cm2½ ft, from 68 other seeds
04 · Problems
Common lavatera problems
Japanese beetles feed on this plant, and root rot and leaf spots may occur. A source also lists stem rot, soil-borne fungal diseases and a rust as possible problems. Overall, the plant is generally pest-free.
Lavatera questions
When should I sow lavatera seeds?
You can sow seed outdoors about two weeks before the last frost date. To get blooms sooner, start seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost.
Can I grow lavatera in a pot?
Yes, one source lists it among patio and container plants.
How tall does annual mallow grow?
It can reach about 2 to 4 feet (61 to 122 cm) tall and 2 to 3 feet (61 to 91 cm) wide.
Does lavatera need full sun?
It is grown in full sun. Some afternoon shade may help where summers are hot.
Quick answers
More lavatera questions
Short answers taken from the growing facts on this page.
Can lavatera survive frost?
Yes. Lavatera is hardy.
Side by side
Compare lavatera with…
Two seeds, every growing fact lined up, so you can pick the one that suits your space.
Flowers
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