Silver Cup Lavatera

Also called Tree Mallow. An improved strain that flowers early and blooms profusely on sturdy, well-shaped plants. While its pink flowers resemble the wild mallows growing in much of North America, the color is much more vivid, with dark veins that stand out in nice contrast. Blooms are large, up to 4 inches across, and the plants form multi-branching bushes 2 to 3 feet tall. It blooms profusely all summer and makes an excellent cut-flower.

50 seeds

PLANTING

Lavatera trimestris

Annual

Germination: 10-21 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-70ºF

Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface and lightly cover

Starting Indoors: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-70ºF soil temperatures until germination. Using peat, cow, or paper pots can help with the stress of transplanting, they grow delicate roots and successful transplanting may be challenging. Transplant 12-18” apart after the last frost.

Sowing Outdoors: Direct sow around the last frost date, sow a few seeds every 12” 

Growth Habit: Upright, branching

Height and Width: 3-4’ by 12”

Spacing: 12-18” apart

Light Needs: Full sun

Soil Needs: Average, sandy to loamy, well-drained 

Approximate days to flower from seed: Blooms in 85-95 days

Uses: Fresh cut flowers, attracts beneficial insects, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Care:  Sow every few weeks for continuous blooming. Deadhead to encourage more flower production. Over-fertilizing will produce plants with more foliage than flowers.