Lavatera trimestris Silver Cup salmon-rose

Lavatera trimestris Silver Cup salmon-rose with dark-rose veins

Hardy Annual - yr old seeds

I’ve been eyeing this up on many US flower farmers pages this summer and have to grow it for 2022! This is a modern variety of the old cottage garden favourite that forms a forms a bush-like plants. It is great for cut-flowers and as a flowering plant to attact pollinators in the garden. The flowers can grow to 3-4in across in a trumpet like shape. Also known as tree mallow.

Germination Instructions : Sow indoors Sep-March, 2mm deep into a pot of moist well-drained seed compost (as opposed to a seed tray). Cover with a bag (I use freezer bags to act as a mini propagator) and place on a heat mat or warm windowsill as they need a temperature of 21°C to germinate. Germination takes 14-21 days approx. Grow on seedlings, harden off and then plant out once danger of frost has passed.

If sowing direct then sow 6mm deep in drills 30cm apart in well prepared soil that has been raked to a fine tilth and water regularly.

Growing Instructions Prefers a moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. As it is from a wild flower family I would suggest not fertilising once planted as it may encourage green growth and not flowers.

Cultivation Instructions Deadhead to encourage more flowers.

Seed count: 100 seeds