Tree mallow Lavatera × clementii 'Mary Hope'
ABOUT
The Lavatera × clementii 'Mary Hope', commonly known as the tree mallow 'Mary Hope', is a striking ornamental plant renowned for its horticultural appeal. This variety boasts a lush, bushy growth habit with stems that carry a dense foliage of soft, heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are typically light green with a slightly velvety texture, giving the plant a soft, inviting appearance. What immediately captures attention are the flowers of the 'Mary Hope'. They bloom profusely, displaying large, open funnel-shaped blossoms that are a delicate shade of pink with deeper pink veins radiating from the center, creating a lovely bi-colored effect. The petals are slightly ruffled and overlap each other, adding to the flower's charm. These blossoms are arranged in loose clusters, which prominently adorn the plant throughout its flowering period, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Between the vibrant blooms and the plush foliage, tree mallow 'Mary Hope' presents an overall eye-catching display that provides a splash of color and texture to any garden or landscape where it is grown. Despite removing mention of its specific dimensions, it is generally recognized as having a robust and aesthetically pleasing presence.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae.
Synonyms
Tree Mallow, Rose Mallow, Shrubby Mallow, Lavatera 'Mary Hope'.
Common names
Lavatera × Clementii 'Mary Hope'.
ToxicityTo humans
Tree mallow (Lavatera × clementii 'Mary Hope') is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information on the toxicity of this specific cultivar to humans, but generally, members of the Lavatera genus are not considered poisonous. As with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities may exist, and it is always a good practice to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically grown for consumption. If accidentally ingested and symptoms do occur, medical advice should be sought.
To pets
Tree mallow (Lavatera × clementii 'Mary Hope') is not commonly known to be toxic to pets either. The toxicity for pets such as dogs and cats is typically minimal, and they are not known to cause significant problems if ingested. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea due to the mechanical irritation of plant material in the stomach. If a pet exhibits symptoms after ingesting this plant, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive to Pollinators - Lavatera × clementii 'Mary Hope' attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, encouraging biodiversity in the garden.
- Low Maintenance - It requires minimal upkeep once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant - Once established, it can withstand periods of low water, making it ideal for xeriscaping and dry climate gardens.
- Fast Growing - It quickly reaches its full size, providing a lush appearance in the landscape in a relatively short period.
- Long Flowering Season - It blooms for an extended period, often from early summer until the first frosts, providing sustained color and interest.
- Privacy Screening - It can be used to create informal hedges or screens, offering privacy as well as aesthetic appeal.
- Coastal Planting - This plant is suitable for coastal areas, as it can tolerate salty winds and spray.
- Decorative Seed Heads - After flowering, it produces attractive seed heads that add winter interest to the garden.
- Versatile - It can be planted in borders, containers, and as a standalone feature, making it a flexible choice for various garden designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Eco-friendly Dye: The petals of the Tree mallow can be used to create a natural dye for fabric, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Insect Habitat: Tree mallow can offer a habitat for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination in gardens and natural landscapes.
- Edible Flowers: Although not commonly consumed, the flowers of the Tree mallow can be added to salads or used as edible decorations on cakes and desserts.
- Natural Fibers: In some traditional practices, the stems of the Tree mallow might be used to extract fibers for making twine or rope, similar to other mallow family members.
- Indicator Plant: Tree mallow can be used as an indicator plant in gardens and agricultural fields, as its health can reflect soil conditions and alert gardeners to potential problems.
- Creative Crafts: Dried Tree mallow flowers and leaves can be incorporated into potpourri mixes or used to create botanical prints on paper for artistic purposes.
- Photography Subject: With its striking flowers, Tree mallow often serves as a beautiful subject for nature photographers and garden enthusiasts looking to capture the essence of a garden.
- Companion Planting: Tree mallow can be planted alongside vegetables and fruits as it can attract pollinators, potentially improving the yield of nearby plants.
- Seasonal Decorations: Branches of Tree mallow with seed pods can be collected and dried to create natural, rustic decorations for autumn or winter displays.
- Garden Theme Element: Tree mallow can be used as part of a coastal garden theme, given its tolerance for seaside conditions and contribution to beach-inspired landscapes.
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- Resilience: The Mary Hope, part of the mallow family, is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, making it a symbol of resilience and overcoming adversity.
- Delicate Beauty: With its subtle pink flowers, the Mary Hope signifies delicate beauty, suggesting grace and gentleness in both appearance and demeanor.
- Femininity: The soft, round blooms of the plant can be associated with feminine qualities, representing nurturing, care, and compassion.
- Healing: Mallows have been used in traditional medicine, and so Mary Hope may carry connotations of healing and soothing.
- Abundance: The prolific flowering of this plant stands for abundance and generosity, signaling a bounty in emotions or resources.
WaterTree Mallows should be watered deeply to encourage a strong root system, typically receiving about 1 gallon of water per week during the growing season, but this can vary depending on climate and soil conditions. Watering should be done at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering which can lead to leaf diseases. During hot or dry periods, watering frequency should increase to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. In the winter, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture due to dormancy.
LightTree Mallows thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to flourish. The best spot for the plant is an open area where it's exposed to unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. They can tolerate partial shade, but their flowering may be reduced in less than ideal light conditions.
TemperatureTree Mallows prefer a temperate climate and do well in temperatures ranging from 40°F to 85°F. They can survive brief periods of colder weather down to about 20°F but are not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures. The ideal temperature conditions for Tree Mallows are between 60°F and 70°F during their active growing period.
PruningTree Mallows should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning can be done annually, cutting back the previous year's growth to about 1/3 of its size to promote vigorous flowering and a tidy plant form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Tree Mallow (Lavatera × clementii 'Mary Hope') should be well-draining, loamy, and enriched with organic matter. A mixture composed of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or well-rotted manure is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.5.
RepottingTree Mallows (Lavatera × clementii 'Mary Hope') are typically garden perennials and do not require frequent repotting. However, if grown in containers, they should be repotted every 1 to 2 years in the early spring, when they become root-bound or to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingTree Mallow (Lavatera × clementii 'Mary Hope') tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and is well-suited to outdoor conditions. It does not require specific humidity control but thrives best in ambient outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright, indirect light; well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, sheltered spot, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleLavatera × clementii 'Mary Hope', commonly known as Tree Mallow 'Mary Hope', begins its life cycle as a seed, usually sown in early spring under cover or later directly into warm soil. Upon germination, seedlings develop true leaves and rapidly grow, taking advantage of the warmer temperatures. As a fast-growing perennial, it enters the vegetative stage, forming a bushy structure with heart-shaped leaves, and then progresses to the flowering stage during summer, showcasing its funnel-shaped pink flowers with a deeper center. After pollination, often by bees and other insects, the flowers develop into dry, disk-like fruit that contain seeds. As fall approaches, Tree Mallow 'Mary Hope' may begin to die back, entering a dormant phase during the colder winter months, especially in cooler climates. With the return of spring, the plant resprouts from the base, continuing its cycle or from the seeds it produced if conditions allow.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Tree Mallow 'Mary Hope' is generally propagated by cuttings, specifically semi-ripe cuttings taken during late summer. This is the most popular method because it helps maintain the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by cuttings, take a healthy, non-flowering stem of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, ideally with several sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Plant the stem in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring the remaining leaves are above the soil line. Place the potted cutting in a warm, bright area, avoiding direct sunlight, and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which the young plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
