The Fast-Growing Flowering Plant That'll Add A Touch Of Tropical Beauty To Your Yard

A garden does not need to have coconut trees or exotic fruits to feel tropical. Sometimes, all you need is the right plant with large, bright, textured petals to shift the mood. And Lavatera (Malva trimestris, previously Lavatera trimestris) does that for your garden. These flowers have open, saucer-shaped blooms that are reminiscent of hibiscus flowers. And they have broad, lobed foliage that creates a lush, green backdrop. Its tall, upright stems produce vibrant flowers that create a beautiful, almost tropical environment, right in your backyard.

Lavatera, commonly known as the shrubby mallow, belongs to a group of around 25 species in the mallow family. It is considered to be unfussy in gardens and is often found in dry, rugged regions. You'll spot varieties in pinks and whites, with silky flowers about 2 to 3 inches wide that appear in flushes throughout summer. 

You can also expect fast growth with these flowers. The germination process takes about 15 to 20 days when kept in warm temperatures and blooms a couple of weeks later. These bushes can reach up to 6 feet by mid-summer. Some types of Lavatera behave like annuals, perfect for seasonal color. Others are herbaceous perennials that die back in winter and return stronger in the spring. Their open form attracts pollinators, making Lavatera one of the best plants for your pollinator garden.

Lavatera blooms beautifully in full sun and well-drained soil. A location sheltered from strong winds (especially for taller varieties) is ideal. While it tolerates poor or sandy soils, wet and heavy clay can reduce the lifespan of the plant. It's hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, with some annual types suitable for slightly cooler climates. Once established, these plants are also low maintenance. And if you want to promote a neat growth habit, consider pruning the shrubs slightly. For best results, prepare the soil with light compost. You should keep the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow airflow and keep the soil evenly moist. You must also deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooms and lightly cut back perennial or woody types in early spring to simulate fresh sprouts. 

If gardeners are looking for a similar native plant alternative or a complement with an open-flower shape and vibrant colors, consider the Oregon checker mallow (Sidalcea oregana). Its spire-like blooms and upright growth habit make it a suitable substitute in both function and form. Another option is the purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), which has trailing stems and vivid magenta flowers ideal for wildflower gardens and naturalized areas. Be it any kind of Lavatera, its balance and beauty are something only a few plants can match. 

Unbeknownst to many, Lavatera is a herb that is medicinal in nature because it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. So, it makes a good addition to your flowerbed.