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Re: Tree Mallow

Ah, this one I know -- or mayber I should say "these ones I know."  There
are many different lavateras, and some are more hardy than others.  I've
grown a few kinds here in San Diego (zone 10b or 11, Sunset zone 24).  In
our mild climate, they can get to be more shrubs than they are herbs
(perennials).  The native lavatera gets up to about 12 feet tall and at
least 8 feet wide.  It's stem gets woody, but it is still fairly
tender-leaved.  It's sort of like an overgrown herb.  Sunset Western
Gardens (the bible for us West of the Rockies), says that Lavateras can be
shrubs or annuals.  The one you saw is more likely a shrub.

More information?  They have pink flowers that are much like single
hollyhock blooms.  Birds love the native one (L. assurgentiflora), as do
ants (and aphids), but they are terrific plants if you have a yard that
welcomes wildlife.  My non-native L. bicolor (also called L. maritima)
comes in softer pinks and is more tame in terms of its growth habit.  Makes
a nice upright shrub -- I have one planted right next to the front door of
our guest house.

The shade of pink varies by species.

Hope this helps!

Nan

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Nan Sterman, "gardening addict"
Olivenhain, California
Sunset Zone 24, USDA Zone 10b or 11
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