Tree Lavatera
(Malva olbia)
Tree Lavatera (Malva olbia)
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Jacques Rocquet
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Jacques Rocquet
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jacques Rocquet | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Attribution: Jacques Rocquet (cc-by-sa) | Rights Holder: Jacques Rocquet | Publisher: PlantNet | Date Created: 2019-06-15T18:10:45Z | Title: Malva olbia (L.) Alef.: flower | Notes: Malva olbia (L.) Alef.: flower |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Malva olbia, commonly known as Tree Lavatera, is a semi-deciduous shrub native to the Western Mediterranean, particularly thriving on basalt soils and slopes. It typically grows to a height and width of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters), presenting a rounded form. Tree Lavatera is adorned with showy, cup-shaped flowers that are a blend of red and purple hues, blooming profusely from spring through fall, which adds a long-lasting splash of color to the garden.
Tree Lavatera is valued for its extended flowering period and its adaptability to various garden settings. It is often used in mixed borders, as an informal hedge, or as a stand-alone specimen. This shrub is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for Mediterranean-style gardens and xeriscaping. It prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to rust and other fungal diseases, especially in humid conditions. Pruning in late winter or early spring can help maintain its shape and promote vigorous flowering.CC BY-SA 4.0
Tree Lavatera is valued for its extended flowering period and its adaptability to various garden settings. It is often used in mixed borders, as an informal hedge, or as a stand-alone specimen. This shrub is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for Mediterranean-style gardens and xeriscaping. It prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to rust and other fungal diseases, especially in humid conditions. Pruning in late winter or early spring can help maintain its shape and promote vigorous flowering.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 3-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to the Western Mediterranean, particularly thriving on basalt soils and slopes
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Lavatera olbia, Malva olbia, Lavatera olbia var. hispida, Lavatera hispida, Lavatera pseudo-olbia, Lavatera olbia subsp. unguiculata, Lavatera olbia var. intermedia, Althaea hispida, Althaea olbia
GBIF Accepted Name: Malva olbia (L.) Alef.