Tree Lavatera
Lavatera speciesfam. Caryophyllaceae
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Pl. B0BB — Lavatera species
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IOverview
Overview
Tree Lavatera, a member of the Malvaceae family, is an ornamental shrub native to the Canary Islands and other regions including Albania, Austria, and parts of Europe. Known for its edible flowers and leaves, this plant thrives in full sun with varying soil types, from light sandy to heavy clay, and can tolerate dry to moist conditions. It is hardy in zones 7-10 and reaches a height of up to 2.4 meters. Its distinctive feature includes large, showy blooms that resemble those of hibiscus, making it a striking addition to gardens despite its less common name.
Quick answers
What is Tree Lavatera?
Tree Lavatera, a member of the Malvaceae family, is an ornamental shrub native to the Canary Islands and other regions including Albania, Austria, and parts of Europe.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tree Lavatera thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 7-10, making it suitable for temperate regions. The plant requires dry to moist conditions and can grow up to 2.4 meters tall. For propagation, you can use seeds or cuttings. Edible parts include the flowers and leaves, which are often used in culinary applications.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Mature size
2.4 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Tree Lavatera for the first time
8steps
Start with Tree Lavatera by planting it in a sunny spot and providing basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers if needed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or as a summer annual.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil; for containers, choose pots at least 30 cm wide.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost is past or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, regular watering during dry spells, and occasional pruning for shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to encourage bushy growth and remove dead wood.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting pruning, not providing enough sun, using heavy soil.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: The tree lavatera's flowers and leaves are edible. They can be consumed fresh or used in various preparations. The leaves are often eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The flowers may also be added to salads or used for garnishes. Both parts of the plant can be dried for later use, though specific culinary applications are not widely documented.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
29 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
29 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 29 native· 1 introduced
Europe13 regions
native (13)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBulgariaGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia3 regions
native (3)IranKazakhstanTurkey
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Altay, Baltic States
introduced:Minnesota
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Caryophyllaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Caryophyllaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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