Barnsley Baby Tree Mallow Lavatera × clementii 'Barnsley'
ABOUT
Lavatera × clementii 'Barnsley', commonly known as the Barnsley baby tree mallow, is a charming shrub that bears an abundance of flowers. The blossom's hue is an enchanting soft pink, which often features a darker pink center, creating a striking contrast that is visually appealing. The flowers resemble that of hibiscuses, with five distinct petals that overlap each other in a classic, almost cup-like shape. This floral arrangement gives the plant a lush, full appearance as if it is constantly celebrating with bouquets of its own creation. The leaves of the Barnsley baby tree mallow are an attractive mid-green color, adding to its overall beauty. They are heart-shaped with a slightly serrated edge, lending a soft yet textured look to the foliage. This greenery creates a lovely backdrop that makes the pink blossoms pop even more vividly, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the plant. The buds and stems of the Barnsley baby tree mallow have a delicate architectural quality, with the buds preparing to burst into full bloom, and the stems offering sturdy support to the generous flower heads. Overall, the appearance of this plant is that of a soft, romantic shrub filled with delightful pink blooms that can add a touch of elegance and charm to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Barnsley Baby, Tree Mallow, shrub Mallows, Lavatera 'Barnsley Baby'.
Common names
Lavatera × clementii 'Barnsley'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Barnsley Baby is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, and it is always best to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants. There is no widespread documentation of poisoning from this plant, and accidental ingestion is unlikely to cause more than mild stomach upset, if any symptoms occur at all.
To pets
The Barnsley Baby is not commonly listed as toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs. However, as with humans, individual animals may have varying sensitivities, and it is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not intended for consumption. Should a pet consume parts of the Barnsley Baby, it is unlikely to result in serious harm, though gastrointestinal irritation may occur in some cases.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Lavatera × clementii 'Barnsley', commonly known as Barnsley Baby, is prized for its beautiful pale pink, trumpet-shaped flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Attracts Wildlife: The plant is attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Barnsley Baby exhibits a degree of drought resistance, making it suitable for low-water gardens and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Fast Growth: It grows relatively quickly, providing a full and lush appearance in a short amount of time compared to other plants.
- Easy Maintenance: This plant is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance, which is ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming Season: Barnsley Baby flowers from early summer to early autumn, providing a long-lasting display of color in the garden.
- Perennial Lifespan: As a perennial, it returns year after year, reducing the need for replanting and providing a reliable element in the landscape design.
- Versatility in Use: Suitable for use in mixed borders, cottage gardens, or as a stand-alone specimen, Barnsley Baby offers a variety of design options for the gardener.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavatera Barnsley as a natural fabric dye: The flowers of the Barnsley can be used to produce shades of pink or mauve dye for fabrics, allowing for a natural and eco-friendly coloring method.
- Lavatera Barnsley as a photography subject: Its vibrant flowers and overall beauty make it a popular choice for photographers looking to capture the essence of an English cottage garden or to practice macro photography techniques.
- Use in educational gardens: Barnsley can be planted in school gardens as an example of a hardy perennial and to teach children about plant growth, pollination, and the ecology of gardens.
- Bee and butterfly gardens: The Lavatera Barnsley, with its large, showy flowers, is an excellent choice for gardens designed to attract and support pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Lavatera Barnsley for horticulture therapy: Its ease of growth makes it suitable for use in horticulture therapy programs, where gardening serves as a means of rehabilitation, skill development, or wellness promotion.
- Crafts and decoration: Dried Barnsley flowers can be incorporated into floral arrangements, wreaths, and other crafts to add a natural element to home décor or special occasions.
- Erosion control: Barnsley's root system helps stabilize soil, making it beneficial in gardens or areas prone to erosion or where soil retention is necessary.
- Musical instrument decoration: The blossoms of Lavatera Barnsley can be pressed and used to adorn musical instruments, like the surfaces of handmade drums or sound holes of stringed instruments, adding a unique floral aspect.
- Culinary garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the flowers of Barnsley, being non-toxic, can be used as a decorative garnish to add a touch of color to salads and desserts.
- Plant studies and botany: The Barnsley can be used by botany students and plant enthusiasts to study crossbreeding techniques, flower structures, and plant lifecycles in a real-world setting.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lavatera is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lavatera is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and Rebirth: Lavatera × clementii 'Barnsley', commonly known as Barnsley Baby or Rose Mallow, often symbolizes new beginnings due to its capacity for vigorous growth and continuous blooms throughout its growing season.
- Femininity and Delicacy: With its soft pink flowers, the Barnsley Baby is often associated with graceful femininity and delicate beauty, echoing traditional associations with the color pink.
- Survival and Resilience: This plant is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, representing the ability to endure and overcome challenges.
- Abundance and Fertility: Barnsley Baby has lush foliage and abundant blooms, which can symbolize fertility, growth, and the generous side of nature.
- Innocence and Purity: The light coloring and pure white variants of this plant are commonly associated with themes of innocence and purity.
WaterThe Tree Mallow, or Lavatera × clementii 'Barnsley', should be watered deeply to encourage a strong root system but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. This typically means watering once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant each time, depending on weather conditions. During prolonged dry spells or unusually hot weather, increase watering frequency to twice a week. For container-grown specimens, they may require water more frequently, especially if the pot is in full sun or if it's particularly windy. Ensure that the plant has proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
LightThe Tree Mallow thrives in full sun conditions where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate some light shade but will bloom best when planted in a spot that gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day. Avoid deep shade positions as this can reduce flowering and might cause the plant to become leggy as it stretches toward the light.
TemperatureTree Mallow prefers temperatures ranging between 50°F and 85°F, which are ideal for growing and flowering. They can withstand short periods of colder weather down to about 15°F but should be protected from hard frosts. They also can survive in higher temperatures but may need additional watering to counteract heat stress. Extended exposure to temperatures outside the 50°F to 85°F range may hamper growth and flowering.
PruningPrune the Tree Mallow to promote bushy growth and improve air circulation, which helps prevent disease. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing dead or damaged branches and shaping the plant. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can be done throughout the blooming season to encourage more blooms. Pruning can also be performed after flowering to rejuvenate the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Lavatera × clementii 'Barnsley', commonly known as Barnsley Baby, is a well-draining soil with plenty of compost and organic matter to retain moisture. The soil pH should ideally range from slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingBarnsley Baby does not typically require frequent repotting as it is a relatively large shrub. It may be repotted every few years or as needed if it becomes root-bound or the soil quality deteriorates.
Humidity & MistingBarnsley Baby is adaptable to a variety of humidity conditions and thrives in outdoor environments where humidity is not usually controlled. It does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in typical garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, minimal watering, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleLavatera × clementii 'Barnsley', also known as Barnsley Baby, starts its life as a seed, typically germinating in spring when the soil has warmed up. The seedling stage follows, where it develops its first true leaves and begins to establish a root system. As it matures into the vegetative stage, the plant grows rapidly, producing a bushy structure with distinctive soft, lobed leaves. The flowering stage occurs in early summer to fall, where it produces numerous large, open funnel-shaped flowers that are pink with a deeper centre, attracting various pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seed, which can fall to the ground and self-sow if not collected. In the dormant stage during winter, the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, before regrowing from the base in spring to start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Lavatera × clementii 'Barnsley', commonly known as the Barnsley baby mallow, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings during the late spring or early summer. The most popular method involves selecting healthy, non-flowering shoots of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long and snipping them just below a leaf node. These cuttings should have their lower leaves removed and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. They are then planted in a well-draining potting mix, lightly watered, and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain high humidity. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which typically takes several weeks. Once rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on until they are ready to be planted out in the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
