Lavatera maritima – also known as tree mallow – has white flowers with a flush of purple veining in the centre. Flowers are similar in shape formation to hollyhock. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it the Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Tree mallow are lovely, fast-growing shrub with evergreen foliage, and produces a long season of flowers, which usually appear in spring and last into autumn
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. A good drought resistant plant for dry conditions.
Tree mallow in flower (15 May 2020)
Tree Mallow can grow up to 1.5 metres high with a 100 cm spread. They are best planted in the middle to back of a border.
Tree mallow can take a light frost, but benefits from a sheltered spot out of cold, drying winds.
Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering. Mulch annually with well-rotted manure or compost.
Mallow are known for attracting bees, butterflies and moths, with nectar and pollen rich flowers.
We planted one into the back patch under the cherry tree in late July 2019 (on the right side of the ‘zipper’ path).
Philosophising... 