Also known as Tree Mallow · 57 saves
Lavatera
Lavatera, the genus most gardeners know as tree mallow. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Lavatera varieties
2 species of Lavatera
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Lavatera in Sow
Save the Lavatera you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Lavatera
Whats common across all Lavatera varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Lavatera year
- DeadheadJune–September75% of varieties
Remove spent blooms regularly to ensure continuous flowering
- FertilizeMarch75% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer twice during the summer
- Pinch TipsMay50% of varieties
Pinch growing tips when young to encourage a bushier, compact habit
- PruneFebruary50% 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 |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| 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 |
| Mallow rust | Orange-brown pustules on leaf undersides late in the season | Space plants for air movement and remove affected leaves; the annual habit limits the damage |
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 4 distinct Lavatera varieties. The most popular — ranked by 57 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Lavatera grow in?
Across its varieties, Lavatera covers USDA Zones 4–10. 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, midsummer to early 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.