Lavatera lovers? What is your planting scheme?

M33R4 · February 2023

This year I've decided to show case lavatera in my garden. Last year I planted one after many years and it delivered flowers non stop over the summer, and has kept its leaves over winter.

Do you sow the seed directly in the ground and if so when is the earliest time of year is best?
Would it be better to sow the seeds in biodegrable pots, then plant the whole thing out?
Do you support with canes?
Do you shape it by particular pruning?
Do you pinch off the spent flowers?

B3 · February 2023

Do you mean the annual silver cup type lavatera?
If so, from what I remember. ( I haven't grown them for a while) They germinate quickly and are fast growing. I would put them in pots first. They won't need staking.. Can't remember if I pinched them out but probably did. I would deadhead when the time comes.

M33R4 · February 2023

B3 said:

Do you mean the annual silver cup type lavatera?
If so, from what I remember. ( I haven't grown them for a while) They germinate quickly and are fast growing. I would put them in pots first. They won't need staking.. Can't remember if I pinched them out but probably did. I would deadhead when the time comes.

I prefer the taller growing Lavateras like Rosea, Cachemiriana. Do those need staking?

B3 · February 2023

Sorry. I've no idea. Someone familiar with them should be along soon😊

Buttercupdays · February 2023

The only Lavatera I'm currently growing is the native wild one. Still pretty and with a long flowering time, it decides where it is growing and where it is staying. It has deep strong roots and I would have to demolish a bit of my dry stone wall to move one specimen!

I've grown Silver Cup in the past, but that, and certainly anything taller would probably need some support here as it is very exposed to wind.