Pink Tree Mallow Flower Seeds, Rose Mallow Lavatera trimestris

Pink Tree Mallow has lovely, hibiscus-like flowers that are pink with dark red veins. It blooms in 65 days from seeding. An easy to grow annual, it prefers full sun and moderate to moist conditions.

Sowing: Direct sow as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Sow the seed just below the surface of the soil and keep it lightly moist until germination, which should occur within 14-21 days. For a longer bloom time, sow additional seed every two weeks. Seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, for an earlier start. Plant three seeds each in large peat pots, planting them just below the surface and keeping the soil lightly moist until germination. Transplant seedlings after the last frost, taking care not to disturb the sensitive roots.

Growing: Water the young plants occasionally as they develop, since dry soil at this stage can stunt their growth. In addition to being extremely hardy in cold temperatures, mature plants can tolerate some drought and need little attention, though support may be helpful for taller plants. Do not over fertilize mature plants, as this tends to produce abundant foliage and few blooms. Transplanting is not recommended, since this plant does not like having its roots disturbed. Deadhead spent flowers for continued bloom, leaving some at the end of the season to produce seed for another crop next season.

Name: Pink Tree Mallow
Scientific Name: Lavatera trimestris
Other Common Names: annual mallow, rose mallow, royal mallow, regal mallow, common annual tree mallow
Color: Pink
Hardiness Zones: N/A (but reseeds itself easily, so it acts like a perennial in all zones)
Plant Seeds: Outdoors After Frost or Indoors Weeks Before Last Frost
Plant Height: 24-48"
Plant Spacing: 9"-12"
Cycle: Annual
Bloom Season - Fall, Summer

Light Requirements: Full Sun
Soil & Water Preferences: Average
Other: Attracts bees, birds, & butterflies