Also known as Tree Mallow · 50 gardener saves
Lavatera: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Lavatera, the genus most gardeners know as tree mallow. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Lavatera varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedThuringian Mallow
Lavatera thuringiaca
#2 most savedPink Blush Mallow
Lavatera trimestris 'Pink Blush'
#3 most savedTree Mallow
Lavatera assurgentiflora
How to grow Lavatera
What the Lavatera varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Lavatera year
- FertilizeMarch100% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer twice during the summer
- Pinch TipsMay67% of varieties
Pinch growing tips when young to encourage a bushier, compact habit
- DeadheadJune–September67% of varieties
Remove spent blooms regularly to ensure continuous flowering
- PruneFebruary67% of varieties
Cut back hard to 6-12 inches in late winter/early spring before new growth
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 💧
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms 🌸
- Apply compost annually for nutrient boost 🌱
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely during hot weather
- Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall
- Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen, which promotes foliage over flowers
What goes wrong with Lavatera
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and apply insecticidal soap |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Lavatera
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Maintain humidity and keep soil moist for 6 weeks.
- Transplant rooted cuttings outdoors after 8 weeks.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2 weeks.
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks.
Lavatera questions
How many types of Lavatera are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Lavatera varieties. The most popular — ranked by 50 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Lavatera grow in?
Across its varieties, Lavatera covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Lavatera bloom?
Most Lavatera varieties bloom in mid-summer, summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Lavatera should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Lavatera shows up in
Design with Lavatera in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
