Malva olbia aka Lavatera

Taxonomy

Malva olbia, also known as Lavatera olbia or the garden tree mallow, is a vigorous perennial shrub native to the western Mediterranean. It can reach a height of 2.5 meters (8 feet) and is characterized by its densely downy grey-green leaves, which have 3-5 lobes. This plant produces deep pink flowers with slightly notched petals and darker veins throughout the summer. It has also been introduced to California and is considered a good plant for attracting pollinators by the Royal Horticultural Society. In addition, Malva olbia is known as a rare houseplant called Tree Lavatera, which thrives with regular watering and prefers long-lasting, direct light within 1 foot of a window. It is important to provide well-draining soil and consider supplementing with a gentle, organic fertilizer during the peak growing season.

Common names

Lavatera, Hyeres Tree Mallow, Tree Lavatera

How to care for Lavatera

Water

Lavatera should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Lavatera loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Lavatera requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Hyeres Tree Mallow is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.


More info:
Wikipedia