Annual Mallow
Lavatera trimestris
Zones 7–13
Growing
Sow your seeds directly into the garden once the soil has warmed, as this plant prefers to grow where it is originally placed rather than being moved. Because it grows with a single upright stem, it is an excellent candidate for containers or garden beds where you can provide regular watering. To keep your blooms looking fresh and to encourage a continuous display of funnel-shaped flowers, practice regular deadheading. This simple maintenance task helps the plant remain productive throughout the warm season.
When choosing a site, ensure the ground is well-drained to prevent issues with the roots. If your garden tends to hold excess moisture, using raised beds can help maintain the necessary soil conditions. Beyond their beauty, these flowers are wonderful for attracting pollinators to your landscape. As the season progresses, the plant will naturally drop its own seeds, allowing it to spread and return to your garden in future years.
| Sun | full sun |
|---|---|
| Water | medium |
| Grow time | — |
| Height | 3–6ft |
| Spacing | 12–24in |
| Full sun | ✓ |
|---|---|
| Part shade | ✓ |
| Shade | ✗ |
| Life cycle | annual |
|---|---|
| Category | garden annual |
| Growth habit | upright |
| Season | warm |
| Frost tolerance | tender |
| Height | 3–6ft |
| Spacing | 12–24in |
| Days to bloom | under 45 |
| Native us | ✗ |
| Water | medium |
|---|---|
| Drainage | well drained |
| Soil ph min | 6.0 |
| Soil ph max | 7.5 |
| Propagation | |
| Seed | ✓ |
| Cutting | ✗ |
| Division | ✗ |
| Graft | ✗ |
| Tuber bulb crown | ✗ |
| Transplant | ✗ |
| Container ok | ✓ |
| Spread | self seeds |
| Deer resistant | — |
| Drought tolerant | ✓ |
| Pollinator friendly | ✓ |
| Toxic to | |
| People | — |
| Pets | — |
| Livestock | — |
| Length | 6–12wk |
|---|---|
| Colors | |
| White | ✓ |
| Yellow | ✗ |
| Orange | ✗ |
| Red | ✗ |
| Pink | ✓ |
| Purple | ✗ |
| Blue | ✗ |
| Green | ✗ |
| Fragrant | ✗ |
| Reblooms | ✗ |
| Deadhead | ✓ |
| Cut flower | ✓ |
| Dried flower | ✗ |
| Status | none |
|---|---|
| Regions | |
| Northeast | ✗ |
| Southeast | ✗ |
| Midwest | ✗ |
| Plains | ✗ |
| Southwest | ✗ |
| Mountain west | ✗ |
| Pacific northwest | ✗ |
| California | ✗ |
| Hawaii | ✗ |
| State noxious | ✗ |
| Escapes cultivation | ✗ |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Harvest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
References: Wikipedia · how this data is made