Tree Lavatera

Malva thuringiaca

Native to:
Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krym, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Malvaceae
Genus:
Malva
Species:
Malva thuringiaca
USDA Symbol:
LATH

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
200 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
pink, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers sunny locations in its native range

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily at 65-70°F with no pretreatment required.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society