Lavatera Red Rum - Tree Mallow

Lavatera x clementii 'Red Rum' is a new variety of bushy lavatera that stands out for its compact habit, neat appearance, and wonderful double, bright purple-pink flowers. On this rounded bush, numerous tightly packed flowers bloom in the summer, along burgundy-coloured branches adorned with beautiful slightly velvety, soft grey-green foliage. This semi-evergreen variety retains its foliage until the onset of winter and all year round in mild climates. 'Red Rum' is generous and undemanding and dresses up any perennial or shrub border within two years. Its small size makes it perfect for containers on the terrace or balcony.

Lavateras belong to the large family of Malvaceae. It is a genus that includes many species, some more woody than others, and can be annual, biennial, or perennial. They originate from various temperate regions around the world but are mainly found in Mediterranean climates. Bushy lavateras are generally quite short-lived, living only 3 or 4 years, sometimes longer when regularly pruned, but they are easily multiplied through cuttings.

'Red Rum' is a bushy hybrid introduced in 2001. The plant has a bushy and branched habit from the base, dense and as wide as it is tall, supported by sturdy wind-resistant stems, beautifully coloured in dark reddish-brown. The plant quickly reaches 80 cm in all directions, up to 1 m depending on how severely it is pruned in early spring. This compact and generous small shrub produces 4-5 cm diameter, mostly double flowers, composed of deep pink petals veined with purple-pink. These flowers are short-lived, but they continuously bloom from July to August, or even longer under good growing conditions. The foliage is more or less evergreen depending on the severity of winter and consists of rounded, slightly velvety leaves forming a very soft, grey-green effect. This lavatera is hardy down to -10°C in well-drained soil. Young plants tolerate frost better than mature specimens.

Lavatera 'Red Rum' charms with its colour, neat habit, and generosity. It will be beautiful in a border of summer-flowering perennials or low-growing shrubs (dwarf Buddleias, Perovskia, Caryopteris). It also pairs well with white, pink, or mauve bush roses and the delicate flowers of white or red Gauras. It is a full sun plant that also tolerates partial shade in hot climates, and shows greater longevity in well-drained soil. Its moderate size allows it to be planted in a lovely pot on a terrace. It makes a romantic combination with Sages, or even with its annual cousins Malopes (Malope 'Glacier Fruits Mixed') and Mallow .