Lavatera species
| Lavatera species | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 8' |
| Speed: | Fast |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Lavatera species (common name: tree lavatera)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed[1]. Germination is usually quick and good. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer[K].
Basal cuttings in spring.
Cuttings of softwood in June/July[2].
Cultivation: Easily grown in any ordinary garden soil[3]. Prefers a light well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun[1]. A soil that is too rich encourages foliar growth at the expense of flowering[1]. Tolerates maritime exposure[1].
An unknown species from Greece given to us by Bill of Falmouth. It is very fast growing, even in a very exposed position but is short lived, usually only 3 - 4 years before it starts breaking up in the wind. The plant is probably too floriferous for its own good but if self-sows freely.
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[1].
Range: S. Europe - Greece.
Edibility: Young leaves - raw or cooked. A mild flavour, but tough and not very worthwhile[K]. When cooked the leaves have a somewhat slimy consistency[K].
Flowers - raw. A pleasant mild flavour, they make a decorative addition to the salad bowl[K].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Brickell, Christopher. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Dorling Kindersley Publishers, 1990.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.