Tree Mallow | Lavatera Maritima

Tree Mallow and Lavatera Maritima are semi-evergreen sub-shrubs that produce large, tropical-looking flowers that look similar to Hibiscus blooms. They are pale lavender in color, gradually darkening nearer the center, and bloom heavily throughout the summer and sporadically throughout the rest of the year. This makes them great options as background plants and they are almost pest-free.

Etymology

The Latin family name for Tree Mallow and Lavatera Maritima species is BALSAMINACEAE, with the alternate old common name, Wild Balsam, derived from the Latin family name. The genus name for Tree Mallow is Lavatera and is believed to have derived from the 18th century botanist, Charles Lavater. The species name for Lavatera is Maritima and is derived from the Latin word, marinime, which means “of the sea.”

How to Plant and Grow

Tree Mallow and Lavatera Maritima should be planted in a sunny location, although they can also tolerate semi-shaded areas. Soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0-8.0. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water once a week during dry spells and apply a balanced fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season. Temperatures above 40⁰F or lower than 10⁰F should be avoided. Place a layer of mulch around the plant to help lock in moisture.

Meaning and Symbolism

Tree Mallow and Lavatera Maritima symbolize maternal love and communication. Due to their beautiful, bright blooms, these flowers are often used to represent beauty and the joy of being able to appreciate the simple things in life. They are often used to express emotion in bouquets, arrangements, and centerpieces.

History, Mythology, and Religious Significance

Tree Mallow and Lavatera Maritima have been used for various religious and spiritual purposes throughout history. In ancient Greece, these flowers were used in religious ceremonies dedicated to the gods and goddesses Apollo, Demeter, and Aphrodite. In Hindu mythology, the god Vishnu is often associated with these flowers. In Christianity, the floral symbol of Lavatera Maritima is used to represent creation, innocence, and the Renewal of Life.

Flower Varieties and Their Defining Characteristics

A few of the varieties in the Lavatera Maritima family are Lavatera x Cleopatra, Lavatera thuringiaca, Lavatera montana and Lavatera cachialiana. Lavatera x Cleopatra produces white flowers with a bright yellow center and grows in clumps reaching 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Lavatera thuringiaca is a more compact variety with pink flowers and grows in mounds to 1-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. Lavatera montana grows in clumps to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide and bears white to light pink flowers. Lavatera cachialiana is a smaller variety that features pale pink flowers and grows to about 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Tree Mallow, or Lavatera Arborea, grows to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide and produces pink flowers with yellow throats.

How to Pot and Repot

Tree Mallow and Lavatera Maritima should be planted in containers with high drainage holes. These shrubs prefer pots with a width of at least 18 inches. When planting, use potting soil and make sure to fill in the gaps with peat, perlite, or dry sand. Water the soil until it is moist and then cover the top with mulch. During the growing season, it is important to repot the shrub once it has outgrown the container. To repot, remove the plant from the container and gently remove any visible weeds, so that the new potting mix can be used. Then place it back in the new container and add fresh potting mix.

How to Prune

Tree Mallow and Lavatera Maritima can be pruned in late winter or early spring, after the last frost. Prune out any dead or diseased stems, and shape the shrub to a manageable size while avoiding damaging the main stems. To encourage new growth, prune the tips of the stems back approximately one-third of their length and remove any crossing branches. After pruning is complete, feed the plant a handful of compost and apply a thick layer of mulch.

How to Propagate

Tree Mallow and Lavatera Maritima can be propagated from seeds, semi-ripe cuttings, and root cuttings. For seed propagation, collect and store the seeds from the closest capsule of a fully-matured flower. Plant the seeds in a shallow container with moist, well-drained soil. Cover the surface with plastic and wait for the seeds to germinate. Ensure the soil stays moist, but avoid overwatering. When the seedlings are ready to be transplanted, gently uproot and pot each one in individual containers with the same conditions as the previous container.

For semi-ripe cuttings and root cuttings, select stem and root pieces with two to three nodes and a portion of their taproot. Plant the cuttings in a prepared container with well-drained, moist soil and cover with another container or a plastic bag with many tiny holes tapped into it. Keep the soil slightly damp and wait for the cutting to take root, which can take up to 8 weeks. When the cuttings have taken root and the plants have reached about 5 inches in height, transplant them into individual containers.

Common Pests and Diseases

Tree Mallow and Lavatera Maritima are susceptible to some common pests and plant diseases, including aphids, mealybugs, powdery mildew, and verticillium wilt. To prevent damage, inspect the plant regularly for signs of pests and diseases. If any are found, take action immediately by hosing down the plant with a stream of water to dislodge them or by removing them manually. Other preventative measures include avoiding overcrowding of plants, ensuring proper drainage, keeping the area free of debris, and properly maintaining soil pH.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What family is Lavatera Maritima in?
A: Lavatera Maritima is in the family of BALSAMINACEAE.

Q: Is Lavatera Maritima a perennial?
A: Lavatera Maritema is a perennial, meaning it blooms every year.

Q: What type of soil does Lavatera Maritima need?
A: Lavatera Maritima needs soil that is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0-8.0.

A Table Fact Sheet with Data

Tree Mallow	Lavatera Maritima
Family	BALSAMINACEAE
Plant Type	Perennial
Mature size	3-6ft
Sun exposure	Sunny/ Semi-shaded
Soil type	Well-draining, rich in organic matter
Soil pH	6.0-8.0
Bloom time	Spring/Summer
Flower color	Pale lavender/light pink
Hardiness Zones	5-9
Native Area	Europe, Africa, and Asia