Lavatera olbia Rosea - Tree Mallow

Lavatera olbia Rosea, is a colourful form of the tree mallow. Little known, it deserves to be discovered for its many flowers. In the space of 3 to 4 years, this plant forms a large shrub taller than a man, which is covered with a multitude of pink flowers for months. It has its place in a large English-style flower bed, by the sea or in a Mediterranean garden without the need for watering.

Lavateras belong to the large family of Malvaceae. It is a genus that includes many species, some of which are woody, and that can be annual, biennial or perennial. They originate from various temperate regions of the world but are mainly found in Mediterranean climates. Shrubby lavateras are generally quite short-lived, living only 5 or 6 years but can easily be propagated by cuttings. Lavatera olbia, from which the 'Rosea' form originates, is native to southwestern Europe and North Africa. 

A bushy and branching perennial shrub, which is almost as wide as it is tall, Lavatera olbia Rosea quickly reaches 1.80 to 2 m (6 to 7ft) in height with a roughly equivalent spread, a little less if severely pruned each year. This abundant and generous shrub has a multitude of flowers measuring 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, composed of five petals quite spread apart and bilobed, in the shape of a heart.  These are a fresh pink colour, veined with a deeper pink. These flowers are short-lived but they continually renew themselves from May-June to August, and even until October under good growing conditions. The foliage, more or less evergreen in winter, is composed of palmately lobed, slightly hairy leaves, which form a very soft ensemble, in a grey-green tone. This Lavatera is hardy down to -10°/ -12°C (10.4°F) in healthy, well-drained soil, and it is perfectly suited to limestone soils.

Lavatera olbia Rosea charms with its simplicity, easy cultivation, and generosity. Its charm will not overshadow that of the accompanying plants, but rather emphasize it. It will be beautiful in an informal hedge, or in a bed of summer-flowering shrubs (Buddleia, white repeat-flowering roses, Perovskia, Caryopteris). It also pairs very well with the light vegetation of bronze fennel, or with pink flowers and purple foliage. It is a plant for full sun that also tolerates partial shade and shows greater longevity in well-drained, not too rich soil. In the garden, its moderate growth allows it to be planted alone, on a patio or to mark an entrance, for example. It also forms a magnificent background in flower beds and accompanies large asters very well. Its combination with sages, or with its relatives the hollyhocks and the mallow.