Tree Mallow Lavatera × clementii 'Lavender Lady'
ABOUT
The Lavatera 'Lavender Lady' is a captivating plant known for its striking flowers and lush foliage. The blooms are a soft shade of lavender, featuring a delicate, veined pattern on the petals that adds texture and depth to their appearance. Each flower forms a charming cup or trumpet-like shape, inviting a closer look, and they typically gather in clusters, which enhances the overall showiness of the plant. The leaves of 'Lavender Lady' are equally appealing, with a rich green color that creates a beautiful contrast against the lavender flowers. They are typically heart-shaped or rounded, with a slightly lobed or toothed edge, providing a pleasant, soft backdrop for the flowers. 'Lavender Lady's' overall form is bushy and shrub-like, with stems that can be both upright and branching, creating a full and generous appearance. A backdrop or standalone feature in any garden, this plant exudes a sense of romance and old-fashioned charm with its plethora of blooms and hearty foliage that generally lasts throughout its long blooming season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae
Synonyms
Tree Mallow, Clement's Tree Mallow, Rose Mallow
Common names
Lavatera × clementii 'Lavender Lady'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender Lady is not known to be toxic to humans. Generally, there are no severe symptoms associated with the ingestion of this plant. However, it's always prudent to avoid eating ornamental plants due to the possibility of individual allergies or gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Lavender Lady is not specifically listed as toxic to pets. However, as with humans, ingestion of ornamental plants can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is advisable to prevent pets from consuming this plant to avoid any potential discomfort.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
6 feet 6 inches (2 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Lavatera 'Lavender Lady' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, supporting pollination.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is considered low-maintenance and easy to cultivate, suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, 'Lavender Lady' can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Fast Growth: The plant grows relatively quickly, providing a rapid and rewarding display of flowers and foliage.
- Ornamental Appeal: With its beautiful lavender-pink blooms, it adds a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Versatility in Landscaping: 'Lavender Lady' can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including borders, hedges, and as a standalone specimen.
- Long Blooming Season: The plant has a long flowering period from summer to fall, ensuring a lasting visual impact in the garden.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides shelter and food for wildlife, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.
- Cutting Garden Plant: The flowers are excellent for cutting and using in floral arrangements, bringing the garden's beauty indoors.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavatera can be used as a natural dye. The flowers and leaves of 'Lavender Lady' may produce subtle shades of pink or green when used in dyeing processes.
- The fibrous stems of mature Lavatera plants can be used in papermaking, adding texture and strength to handmade papers.
- The blossoms are edible and can be used to add a colorful touch to salads or as a decorative garnish on desserts and other dishes.
- It serves as an ideal option for themed gardens like cottage gardens or butterfly gardens because of its attractive flowers that appeal to pollinators.
- Lavatera can be used as a temporary privacy screen or windbreak in the garden during the warmer months due to its fast growth and bushy habit.
- The plant's nectar-rich flowers can be incorporated into a wildlife garden, designed to provide a habitat and food source for native fauna.
- Used in floristry, the Lavatera flowers are a beautiful addition to bouquets and floral arrangements.
- They can be used in educational settings such as schools and botanical gardens for teaching plant biology and pollination processes.
- Lavatera's soft, velvety leaves could possibly be used in crafts or as a natural decoration in eco-friendly projects.
- Photographers might utilize Lavatera plants as a living backdrop for portraits and macro photography due to their large, showy flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tree mallow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tree mallow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty - The 'Lavender Lady' with its lush, trumpet-shaped blooms in a delicate lavender hue is commonly associated with beauty and elegance, representing the aesthetic appeal of the natural world.
- Femininity - The soft lavender color and gentle appearance of the flowers symbolize femininity and grace, often associated with the gentle and nurturing aspects of womanhood.
- Renewal - Like many plants, the 'Lavender Lady' goes through cycles of growth and dormancy, symbolizing renewal, rebirth, and the continuous cycle of life.
- Healing - The calming lavender color and blooming nature of the plant are often associated with healing and soothing of the spirit, reflecting solace and tranquility.
WaterThe Tree Mallow requires consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry periods. It should be watered deeply about once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. A good rule of thumb is to provide about 1 gallon of water for each watering to ensure it reaches the deeper roots. In especially dry or hot weather, increase the frequency of watering but be careful not to overwater, as the plant does not like to sit in waterlogged soil. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant will require less moisture due to cooler temperatures and potential rainfall.
LightTree Mallow thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to promote vigorous growth and bloom production. While it can tolerate some light shade, excessive shade may result in fewer flowers and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureTree Mallow prefers warm conditions and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, growing best between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. Ideal growth occurs when nighttime temperatures don’t drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Tree Mallow is essential to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the previous year's growth down to about 12 to 18 inches to stimulate the plant. Additionally, deadhead spent blooms during the flowering season to promote continuous blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTree Mallow ('Lavender Lady') thrives in well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. A pH between 6.0 and 8.0 suits this plant. Amend with compost and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
RepottingTree Mallow typically does not require frequent repotting. It should be repotted only if it outgrows its container or every 2 to 3 years to replenish soil nutrients.
Humidity & MistingTree Mallow prefers moderate humidity conditions. It is adaptable but does not require high humidity, making it suitable for average garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full light, well-draining soil, and room to grow.
Outdoor
Full sun, shelter from strong winds, fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Lavatera × clementii 'Lavender Lady', commonly known as Tree Mallow 'Lavender Lady', begins with seed germination, typically in spring when temperatures are warm enough to promote growth. The seedlings quickly develop into young plants with characteristic heart-shaped leaves and begin to form a bushy structure. During the growing season, usually from late spring through summer, 'Lavender Lady' produces its prominent lavender-colored flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers mature into seed capsules that eventually dry and release seeds for the next generation. Throughout the autumn, growth slows as the plant prepares for dormancy; in milder climates, it may retain some foliage, while in colder regions, it may die back to the ground. With the arrival of the next spring, the plant resumes growth from the root system, or, if it's a perennial in the region, from any viable overwintered tissue, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Lavatera × clementii 'Lavender Lady', commonly known as Tree Mallow, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is in late summer. To propagate, one would cut a healthy stem of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, making sure it has several leaf nodes. The cut end is then dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, brightly lit area out of direct sunlight and maintained with consistent moisture. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before transplanting into the garden.
