Practical
Plants

Lavatera species

Tree Lavatera

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Lavatera genus in the family Malvaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Malvaceae
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
vigorous
Height
2.4 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Young leaves - raw or cooked. A mild flavour, but tough and not very worthwhile[K]. When cooked the leaves have a somewhat slimy consistency[K]. Flowers - raw. A pleasant mild flavour, they make a decorative addition to the salad bowl[K].

Plant part
Flowers
Plant part
Leaves

Environment

Range
S. Europe - Greece.
Habitat
Not known
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed[3]. Germination is usually quick and good. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer[K]. Basal cuttings in spring. Cuttings of softwood in June/July[2].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Easily grown in any ordinary garden soil[1]. Prefers a light well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun[3]. A soil that is too rich encourages foliar growth at the expense of flowering[3]. Tolerates maritime exposure[3]. An unknown species from Greece given to us by Bill of Falmouth. It is very fast growing, even in a very exposed position but is short lived, usually only 3 - 4 years before it starts breaking up in the wind. The plant is probably too floriferous for its own good but if self-sows freely. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[3].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

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  3. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

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