Botanical Name: Lavatera bicolor (Lavatera maritima)
Common Name: Tree mallow Type of Plant: Dicot: shrub Character Habit of Growth: Overall Shape An evergreen shrub with a fairly full structure - with ascending and spreading stems developing a rounded shape which becomes looser and more irregular with age unless pruned Height 4 - 6 (8 ft.) Spread equal or more Growth Rate moderate- rapid Environment: Exposure full sun preferred; tolerates partial shade at inland locations Soil prefers well-drained sites - can tolerate clay soils if not over-watered Hardiness hardy (zones 8, 9, 14 - 24): thrives in warm sunny locations to 2500 ft. Morphology: Leaves palmate, alternate, pale green on both surfaces; have 3 - 5 lobes, with serrate margin; are 2 -3" across, with fairly long (2") petioles - provides the maple-like foliage a appearance Flowers showy, with conspicuous hibiscus-like form; 2 - 3" wide, 5 petals and large pistil; rose-pink with dark rose-purple veining and center; spring-summer Fruit a small capsule Propagation: softwood or semi hard-wood cuttings Usage: a large filler or informal screening shrub, valued for its light green foliage and long display of the showy flowers; best-suited for Mediterranean or sub-tropical theme gardens (cottage - theme OK) Landscape Care: Watering tolerates regular - best if given an occasional deep-soak watering (to slow the growth rate) Fertilizing balanced in spring if plant looks chlorotic Pruning head back in fall to control size, promote new flowering wood next year Pests/Diseases relatively free (not as susceptible to white fly as Hibiscus spp.) Special Conditions/Other Origin: coastal areas in southern France Family: Malvaceae Notes: |
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