Annual mallow
Lavatera trimestris
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Pl. 0D34 — Lavatera trimestris
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IOverview
Overview
Annual mallow, scientifically known as Lavatera trimestris, is an annual herbaceous plant native to regions including Algeria, Baleares, Corse, East Aegean Islands, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, Palestine, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey. It thrives in light (sandy) and medium soil with a pH of 7.5–8, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. Known for its edible leaves, this plant is also valued for its ornamental qualities. One distinctive feature is its light: 8/10 energy rating, indicating its ability to grow in both dry and moist environments.
Quick answers
What is Annual mallow?
Annual mallow, scientifically known as Lavatera trimestris, is an annual herbaceous plant native to regions including Algeria, Baleares, Corse, East Aegean Islands, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, Palestine, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Annual mallow thrives in light to moist conditions and prefers well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It requires full sun to partial shade and grows up to 0.8 meters tall. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be propagated by seed, which should be sown directly into the garden after the last frost. The leaves are edible but the plant's habitat range suggests it may need some acclimatization for cultivation outside its native areas. Skip if unsure of local growing conditions.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.8 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Annual mallow for the first time
8steps
Start with Annual mallow for a simple and rewarding gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or direct planting area, garden soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7.5–8. Ensure containers have drainage holes if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to help seedlings establish.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain plant shape. Remove any yellowing leaves.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 14 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 14 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 16 native· 14 introduced
Europe9 regions
native (5)FranceGreeceItalyPortugalSpain
introduced (4)BelarusRomaniaRussiaUkraine
Asia2 regions
native (2)PalestineTurkey
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Lebanon-Syria
introduced:Czechoslovakia, California, Cape Provinces, Connecticut, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Texas
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 0d34e961-a7e6-4da8-98f5-9edf3e4a56f7
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