Rose Mallow lavatera is an attractive annual originally native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia. It sometimes escapes cultivation and has naturalized in other regions with a similar climate. Related to both hibiscus and hollyhock plants, rose mallow lavatera is a hardy plant that will thrive even if planted in partial shade or in cooler climates.

Rose Mallow Lavatera quickly grows to 3-6 feet tall and then branches vigorously to form a sturdy bush. The satiny, hibiscus-like blooms reach an impressive 3-4 inches in diameter and vary in colour from creamy white to pale rosé, to deep pink. Rose Mallow Lavatera are ideal along pathways, arranged in a row behind a border bed or mixed with other annual wildflowers.

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Rose mallow, aka swamp hibiscus, is an unusually large variety of the hibiscus genus. Producing attractive symmetrical flowers, it will grow vigorously in ideal conditions. Strong woody stems and can grow to almost 2 m in height and 100 cm wide.

Start seeds indoors by scarifying them first. Rub them with sandpaper to open up the hard outer casing. Soak them overnight in warm water.

Plant seeds into flats or individual pots about 1 cm deep. Mist the seeds well and put them in a sunny location or under grow lights. They should germinate in about two weeks. After the last spring frost has passed, they are ready to harden off to prepare for outdoor transplanting.

Rose mallow will do the best with full sun and can tolerate partial shade. Too much shade will result in lanky vegetative growth and diminished blossoms. It will do well in almost any type of soil, even damp soils, as long as there is some drainage. In drier conditions, add mulch to help retain the requisite amount of moisture.

It’s imperative that swamp hibiscus stays hydrated during the growing season. Water regularly straight through the seasons, from spring to fall. Swamp hibiscus will thrive in hot and humid climates. It won’t survive a harsh winter. If possible, position the tall, viny plant in a location sheltered from the wind.

Fertilize early in the spring to help it get established and feed lightly on a monthly basis throughout the growing season. Prune the long stems in order to keep the height manageable and encourage healthy young side shoots to develop.

Swamp hibiscus can be propagated through cuttings or seeds can be collected from seed pods at the base of the flower when they turn from green to brown. Rose mallow will thrive growing around bodies of water like ponds and streams. Along walls, fences or the back of perennial beds are ideal locations for the tall flowering plant. Some kind of support will be necessary as it reaches towering heights. Continuous blooms will attract all of the best pollinators: bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. 

QUICK FACTS

- Rose Mallow’s Latin name, ‘’lavatera trimestris’’ refers to the plant’s growing and flowering habit that are usually completed in a three-month cycle.

- Rose Mallow is related to both hibiscus and hollyhock plants.

- Rose mallow seeds will remain viable for 2 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.