Lavatera assurgentiflora, commonly known as Island Mallow, is a perennial shrub native to the Channel Islands of California and found in coastal sage scrub habitats. It has been observed on mainland California, but it is not native there. This species typically grows to heights between 3 to 13 feet (1 to 4 meters) and is characterized by its sprawling habit and bushy appearance. The leaves are heart-shaped with serrated margins, and the plant produces showy flowers with five dark-veined, deep pink petals that are somewhat rectangular and measure 1 to 1.75 inches (2.5 to 4.5 centimeters) in length. The flowers bloom from spring to fall, adding a long-lasting splash of color to the garden. The disc-shaped fruit is segmented, each containing a seed, which can be of interest in the landscape.

Island Mallow is valued for its showy flowers, adaptability to various soil types, and its use as an ornamental plant and windbreak. It is often used in coastal gardens, native plant landscapes, and for habitat restoration projects. The plant thrives in full sun and requires well-draining soils, tolerating clay and sandy conditions. While it can handle moderate summer irrigation, overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for water-wise gardens. Gardeners should be aware that Lavatera assurgentiflora can become large and may require space to spread.CC BY-SA 4.0