Lavatera trimestris
Origin: Southern Europe
Improvement status: Wild
Seeds per packet: ~1,000
Germination tested: 7/2021: 55% (Dormant seed: 0%)
Life cycle: Annual
Beautiful hibiscus-like, large flowers adorn this tall garden annual. Blooms in varying shades of pinks and whites. Also goes by the botanical name Malva trimestris and many common names: Annual Mallow, Rose Mallow, Royal Mallow, Regal Mallow, and Common Tree Mallow. There are many cultivars of this species as well. This is not the native North American Rose Mallow or Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos, Hibiscus laevis), which have similar common names, flowers and foliage. Seeds have a high oil content, and have some potential culinary value, and young leaves can be cooked and eaten.
4'Hx3'W. Full Sun. Medium Soil.
These seeds were produced by our friends at Ernst Conservation Seeds in Meadville, PA.
Growing Tips: Seed in early Spring.
