Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
The tree mallow, Lavatera maritima, is lovely, fast-growing shrub with evergreen foliage. It's fantastic for providing a long season of flowers, which usually appear in spring and last into autumn.
Lavatera maritima has white flowers with a gorgeous flush of purple veining in the centre. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it the Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Grow Lavatera maritima in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Lavatera maritima can take a light frost, but is sensitive to temperatures below -5°C, so benefits from a sheltered spot out of any cold, drying winds. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering. Mulch annually with well-rotted manure or compost.
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Lavatera and wildlife
Lavatera is known for attracting bees and butterflies/moths. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
