Malva thuringiaca (syn. Lavatera thuringiaca), the garden tree-mallow, is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family Malvaceae, native to eastern Europe and southwestern Asia, from southern Germany south to Italy, and east to southern Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkey.It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 1.8 m tall. The leaves are up to 9 cm long and broad, palmately lobed with three or five lobes, and downy with greyish hairs. The flowers are pink, 3–6 cm diameter, with five petals; they are produced throughout the summer.There are two subspecies: Malva thuringiaca subsp. thuringiaca – Most of the species' range, except as below, Upper leaves bluntly lobed Malva thuringiaca subsp. ambigua (DC.) Valdés – southern France, Italy, western Balkans, Upper leaves acutely lobed
Mediterranean mallow has strong resistance to diseases and is generally not susceptible to them. When it comes to care, this plant is fairly low maintenance. Planted outdoors, it needs minimal watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Mediterranean mallow is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or a deck, and does not demand much gardening experience.
How to keep Lavatera Thuringiaca.
Light
Mediterranean mallow does best when it gets uninterrupted sun all day, though it can tolerate stretches of shaded light. Coming from a bright-light environment, the plant's health and growth can suffer if light is insufficient or excessive, leading for example to changes in leaf color or diminished flowering.
Temperature
Mediterranean mallow is native to regions with mild climates and thrives best in temperatures ranging from 41 to 95 °F (5 to 35 °C). Seasonal temperature variations should be taken into account for optimal growth.
Fertilizer
The timing of fertilizing Mediterranean mallow is important. Fertilize in early spring and then once a month through early summer. Fertilizer promotes attractive blooms and provides energy during both dormant and active growth phases.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Lavatera
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-9
- Mature Height
- 0.91 m to 3.05 m
- Mature Spread
- 0.91 m to 1.22 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Pink, Purple, Red
- Flower Size
- 5.08 cm to 6.35 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer
- Native Area
- Libya, Tunisia, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Algeria, Morocco, France
Other names.
