Malva subovata aka Sea Mallow

Malva subovata, also known as the tree mallow, is a flowering plant in the Malvaceae family. It is native to the shores of the western and central Mediterranean. This medium-sized, semi-evergreen subshrub has downy grey palmate leaves and stems. The flowers, which can reach up to 7cm in width, are pink or lilac with purple veins and an eye. As a synonym, Lavatera maritima, it has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This shrubby, evergreen perennial has felty, grey-green, ivy-like leaves on woody, upright stems. It produces large, hibiscus-like, pale pink flowers with a dark magenta center throughout the warmer months. It is one of the few plants that thrives in heavy soil, including clay, as long as it is well-drained. Pruning may be necessary for maintenance.