Tree mallow
Lavatera arborea
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Pl. 3E3E — Lavatera arborea
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IOverview
Overview
The Tree Mallow is a perennial plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. Native to Albania and other Mediterranean regions, it can be found growing in various habitats throughout Europe, North Africa, and parts of Western Asia. This plant is notable for its edible leaves, which are used as a food source. One distinctive feature of the Tree Mallow is its ability to thrive in dry conditions, making it well-suited to areas with limited rainfall. Its biennial life cycle allows it to complete two growth phases before producing seeds, and it can grow up to 3 meters tall. The plant's leaves are suitable for consumption when grown in moist soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5.
Quick answers
What is Tree mallow?
The Tree Mallow is a perennial plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. Native to Albania and other Mediterranean regions, it can be found growing in various habitats throughout Europe, North Africa, and parts of Western Asia. This plant is notable for its edible leaves, which are used as a food source.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tree mallow is a biennial or perennial plant that thrives in temperate regions with moderate light levels, scoring 7 out of 10. It prefers well-draining soils ranging from sandy to clay-heavy, and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. The ideal pH for its growth is between 7 and 7.5. This plant grows up to 3 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions with a rating of 8. Its edible parts include the leaves, which can be used as needed. It can be propagated through division or seed, allowing gardeners to share this versatile plant with others.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8
Life cycle
Biennial, Perennial
Mature size
3 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Tree mallow for the first time
8steps
Start with Tree mallow as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or as a summer annual.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose well-draining soil with a pH of 7–7.5 for best growth.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Prune in spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to encourage more blooms and maintain plant size.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sun, and using incorrect pH soil.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Tree Mallow can be eaten raw or cooked. They are typically used in salads or as a cooked green. Dried leaves can also be made into tea. The plant's edible parts thrive in soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5.
Other uses:Attracts insectsFiber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 9 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 9 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 21 native· 9 introduced
Europe10 regions
native (8)AlbaniaFranceGreeceIrelandItalyPortugalSpainUnited Kingdom
introduced (2)PortugalSpain
Asia2 regions
native (2)PalestineTurkey
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Venezuela
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaLibyaTunisia
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Yugoslavia
introduced:Argentina Northeast, Argentina South, California, Cape Provinces, Chile Central, Chile North
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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