Annual Mallow Lavatera trimestris Beauty Series

Water

The common mallow or tree mallow requires regular watering to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil, especially during dry spells. Water deeply and thoroughly to encourage root growth, providing approximately 1 inch of water per week. During extreme heat, increase the frequency to twice a week, ensuring each time you water you give enough to penetrate the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. Cut back on watering during the fall to prepare the plant for dormancy.

Light

The tree mallow thrives best in full sun where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot in your garden that is exposed to ample sunshine, avoiding shaded areas that could hinder its growth and blooming potential. Partial shade is tolerable but may result in a less vigorous plant with fewer flowers.

Temperature

Tree mallows perform best in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 85°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to 40°F but could be damaged by frost. Throughout their growing season, maintaining a temperature above 50°F is ideal for optimal growth and flowering.

Pruning

Prune the tree mallow to promote bushier growth and more blooms, and also to remove dead or damaged stems. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning every year will maintain the shape of the plant and improve its overall health.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Tree Mallow (Lavatera trimestris) thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A balanced mix, such as a blend of loam, peat, and sand or perlite, promotes healthy growth. Regular feeding and compost incorporation enhance flowering.

Repotting

The Tree Mallow does not typically require frequent repotting as it is often grown as an annual. However, if grown as a perennial or in containers, repot every 2-3 years or when rootbound for optimal growth.

Humidity & Misting

Tree Mallow prefers moderate humidity but is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels as long as it is not exposed to consistently damp conditions, which could lead to fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place near a sunny window and water moderately.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, space 2 feet apart.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Lavatera trimestris Beauty Series, commonly known as the Annual Mallow, begins with seed germination which occurs in early spring under favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. Once germinated, the seedling grows rapidly, developing a sturdy stem and a rosette of leaves at the base. As the plant matures, it produces tall, upright stems and large, attractive funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pink, rose, or white throughout the summer. Following pollination, typically by bees and other insects, the plant sets seed in the form of small, dry capsules. At the end of the growing season, the Annual Mallow completes its lifecycle by dropping seeds that will lay dormant until the next spring. The parent plant dies after seed production, as it is an annual species.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Lavatera trimestris, commonly known as the annual mallow or rose mallow, is typically propagated by seed. The best time for sowing seeds is in the spring, after the last frost when soil temperatures have warmed adequately, usually around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). To propagate annual mallow, you would scatter the seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil. The seeds should be kept moist but not waterlogged until germination, which often occurs within 14 to 21 days. After seeds have sprouted and seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be thinned out and transplanted to their final location in the garden, ensuring they're spaced at least 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth.