Overview
Lavatera thuringiaca is a perennial in the genus Lavatera, part of the Q156551 family. It typically grows around 1.8 m tall. Lavatera thuringiaca grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is native to Eastern Europe and Southwestern Asia.
About
Lavatera thuringiaca is a perennial mallow reaching about 1.8 m and native to eastern Europe and southwestern Asia. It prefers a sunny position and will tolerate sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they are well drained or at least moist but well drained. In the UK it is rated H5 (hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 7–10. Allow room for its height by siting it towards the rear of a border or as an informal screen.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Malva thuringiaca
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 thuringiaca is a perennial member of the mallow group that attains roughly 1.8 m. It originates from eastern Europe and southwestern Asia and is grown where height and a clear sunny position are available. The plant-type is perennial and it establishes as a tall element within mixed planting. For cultivation choose a site in full sun; the species tolerates a range of soils from sandy to loamy and even clay, provided that drainage is adequate or the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. In UK hardiness terms it is H5 (hardy), and the equivalent USDA range is 7–10, so it will survive typical winter conditions in most of Britain where exposure is not extreme. Use Lavatera thuringiaca at the back of a sunny mixed border or where a single taller element is needed to lift lower perennials and shrubs. Its eventual height of about 1.8 m makes it a practical choice where screening or a strong vertical presence is required without resorting to woody shrubs.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lavatera
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Lavatera thuringiaca size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 1.8 m
- Native to
- Eastern Europe, Southwestern Asia
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lavatera thuringiaca?
Lavatera thuringiaca prefers full sun.
What soil does Lavatera thuringiaca need?
Lavatera thuringiaca is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Lavatera thuringiaca grow?
Lavatera thuringiaca reaches a height of 1.8 m.
Is Lavatera thuringiaca hardy in the UK?
Lavatera thuringiaca has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
More in the Lavatera genus
- Lavatera cachemirianaMallow
- Lavatera maritimaTree Mallow
- Lavatera olbiaGarden tree mallow
- Lavatera olbia 'Rosea'Rose Tree Mallow