Overview
Lavatera maritima is a shrub in the genus Lavatera, part of the Q156551 family. Lavatera maritima grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders and coastal gardens. It is native to Portugal Continental.
About
Lavatera maritima is a shrubby mallow originating from continental Portugal, valued for planting in coastal and sheltered borders. It prefers full sun or light shade and a well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Give it a sheltered position to suit its exposure needs and its average UK hardiness rating (H4). Suitable uses include mixed borders and coastal gardens.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Malva subovata
About the genus
Malva is a genus of herbaceous or woody, annual, biennial, and perennial plants in the family Malvaceae. It is one of several closely related genera in the family to bear the common English name mallow.
In the garden
Lavatera maritima is a shrubby member of the mallow group native to Portugal Continental. In cultivation it suits sites that mimic its origin: reasonably warm, well-drained ground and protection from the harshest winds. It is a garden shrub intended for shelter rather than exposed, upland locations. Plant in full sun or partial shade on a free-draining soil, avoiding clay that stays waterlogged through winter. Supply moderate moisture while the plant becomes established but do not allow prolonged saturation. Positioning matters: choose a sheltered spot such as a lee of a wall or within a mixed border where the shrub is protected from prevailing gales; the UK hardiness rating H4 corresponds to average winter tolerance, so exposed coastal headlands and unprotected northern sites are less suitable. Lavatera maritima fits well at the rear or middle of borders and in seaside schemes where a sheltered microclimate exists. Use it where a reliably sheltered nook lets the shrub develop without winter root wetness, and avoid planting in cold, waterlogged hollows. Placing it on a well-drained bank or beside a south- or west-facing wall usually gives the conditions it prefers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lavatera
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Well-drained
- Soil moisture
- Moderate
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Lavatera maritima size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Coastal gardens
- Native to
- Portugal Continental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lavatera maritima
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil, tolerates coastal conditions
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Seed, Cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lavatera maritima?
Prefers well-drained soil, tolerates coastal conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Lavatera maritima?
Lavatera maritima prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lavatera maritima need?
Lavatera maritima grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Lavatera maritima?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Lavatera maritima hardy in the UK?
Lavatera maritima has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Lavatera maritima?
Seed, Cuttings.
More in the Lavatera genus
- Lavatera cachemirianaMallow
- Lavatera olbiaGarden tree mallow
- Lavatera olbia 'Rosea'Rose Tree Mallow
- Lavatera thuringiacaGarden tree-mallow
