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Lavatera thuringiaca - L.

Common Name Lavatera, Tree lavatera
Family Malvaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Hills, thickets and waysides[100], by streams to 2800 metres[93].
Range S.E. Europe to W. Asia - Armenia to Caucasia.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Lavatera thuringiaca Lavatera, Tree lavatera


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Nordelch
Lavatera thuringiaca Lavatera, Tree lavatera
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benutzer:Botaurus

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Lavatera thuringiaca is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

L. olbia. Hort.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers  Leaves
Edible Uses:

Young leaves - raw or cooked. A mild flavour, but the leaves are tough and not very worthwhile[K]. Leaves of the cultivar 'Barnsley' are less tough and are reasonably tasty, a plant at Kew had also produced quite a few leaves in the winter and so it is a potential winter salad[K]. Flowers - raw. A pleasant mild flavour, they make a decorative addition to the salad bowl[K]. Many named cultivars have considerably larger flowers than the type species and are thus much more worthwhile for the salad bowl[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Fibre

A strong fibre is obtained from the stems, it is used for making string, bags, paper etc[74].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in any ordinary garden soil[1]. Prefers a light well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun[200]. A soil that is too rich encourages foliar growth at the expense of flowering[200]. Tolerates maritime exposure[200]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[187]. There are many named forms selected for their ornamental value[200]. The cultivar 'Barnsley' usually produces new shoots from the base in the autumn and winter. It is therefore a potential winter salad plant, though the texture of the leaves is not that wonderful[K].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed[200]. 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[188].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Lavatera arboreaTree MallowBiennial3.0 - FLMHNDM21 
Lavatera cachemirianaLavateraPerennial2.4 7-10 FLMHNDM211
Lavatera plebeiaLavateraAnnual/Perennial1.5 -  LMHNDM211
Lavatera speciesTree LavateraShrub2.4 7-10 FLMHNDM20 
Lavatera trimestrisAnnual mallowAnnual0.8 0-0 FLMNDM201

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

50200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

loretta   Wed Sep 17 2008

Blushing Bride.....White flower with pink center, or white flower with red center???Thanks

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