170 (220)cm, California Shrub Mallow (syn. Lavatera assurgentiflora) is an evergreen shrub with showy, intense dark pink flowers with violet stripes and palmate, mid green to grayish-green leaves on gray stems. Originally it was only native from open, sandy to rocky spots on the Channel islands offcoast California, however it is now widespread in the western USA (California region) for its horticultural value. This species is not reliably winter hardy and it is best grown under frostfree conditions throughout the year. An excellent pot plant for any rich, well drained substrate and full sun throughout the year. In winter keep cooler at a minimum of some 10°C with reduced watering. Certain vendors hopelessly confuse perennial Californian Malva assurgentiflora with annual to biannual Mediterranean Malva arborea. However, seeds from Malva assurgentiflora are easily recognizable: they have a pale beige color and are among the largest in this genus. You will receive from us seeds from true-to-type plants. VII-IX. 10 seeds per package.
|