Family: Malvaceae
Common name: Tree mallow, Lavatera maritima
Tree mallow is a beautiful plant popular among gardeners with their lush green leaves and delicate pink-lavender flowers. Native to the Mediterranean regions, this plant is now grown in many countries around the world, in the wild as well as in cultivated settings.
Plant characteristics
These plants can reach a height of 1.5 to 2 meters with reddish-brown, erect, branching stems that are covered with fine hairs.
Leaves of the Tree Mallow are ovate in shape, about 8-10 cm long. They are arranged alternately on the stem, have serrated edges and thin white hairs covering them, that give the leaves a velvety texture.
Flowers are the most charming feature of the Tree mallow, with five distinct pink petals with darker pink venation or shading from the center towards the tip. The flowers are held on tall spikes that are covered with flowers in all sides, adding a majestic charm to your garden.
Tree mallow flowers bloom from mid spring to late summer attracting bees, butter, and pollinating insects in plenty into the gardens. On pollination, these flowers produce small dry fruits that split open on maturity to release small seed-bearing compartments called mericarp.
Gardening Tips
Tree mallow plants need full sunlight to grow and bloom well. They prefer rich, well-drained soil, but they are tolerant of poor soil conditions. These plants need regular watering and fertilization. Prune the spent flower spikes to help the plant grow rounded and bushy.
Uses of Tree mallow
Leaves and flowers of the tree mallow are used to treat sore throat, cough, cold, cuts, wounds, and skin ailments. They can be grown as ornamentals in home gardens, parks, and public areas. And also in butterfly parks to provide nectar for the butterflies.
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Photographed at: KEW gardens area, London
