Lavatera White Angel

Unfortunately, Lavatera are a magnet for aphids. We recommend checking the plant regularly, especially the young shoots and buds. Upon the first sign of aphids, you can try the following:

• Rinse the plant with a strong stream of water.
• Use a soapy solution or natural oil-based sprays.
• In case of a severe infestation, use an insecticide suitable for ornamental plants.

The 'White Angel' tree mallow is a sun lover, so choose a fully sunny location for it. It does not thrive in the shade – it will flower less and grow leggy as it reaches for the light. The soil should be:

• Well-drained and loamy: The plant cannot tolerate waterlogging, which could cause the roots to rot.
• Nutrient-rich: Although it is not extremely demanding, it will grow more vigorously in good soil.

Given its height (up to 150 cm) and width, place it towards the back of perennial beds or as a solitary focal point, ensuring it has enough space (at least 75 cm apart).

Yes, container growing is possible and, in cooler regions, even recommended for easier overwintering. However, keep the following in mind:

• Container size: The pot must be large enough and stable (the plant grows up to 1.5 m tall).
• Watering: The substrate in a container dries out faster, so it will require more frequent watering in summer than if planted in the ground.
• Drainage: Place a layer of gravel or expanded clay at the bottom of the container to ensure good water drainage.

This cultivar is reported not to self-seed reliably (or offspring may not retain the characteristics of the parent plant). The best method of propagation to preserve the variety is by taking softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in the spring or summer. Allow the cuttings to root in a moist substrate or perlite.

Yes, Lavatera (Lavatera) is not poisonous. It is safe for children, dogs, and cats. You don't have to worry about planting it in a garden where your four-legged friends or children play.

Yes, that is one of the lovely surprises of this plant! The flowers of Lavatera are edible.

• They have a mild flavor and a beautiful pure white color.
• They are perfect as a garnish for summer salads, desserts, cakes, or drinks.
• You can consume them fresh straight from the garden (provided they have not been chemically treated).

Definitely! The large, open white flowers of the tree mallow are rich in pollen and nectar, which attract pollinators such as bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. By planting this, you will support biodiversity in your garden.

The 'White Angel' variety is a robust plant that reaches an impressive height of 120 to 150 cm. Despite its height, it usually has sturdy stems and grows in a bush-like habit, so it generally does not need support. However, if it is growing in a very windy location or becomes too heavy after heavy rain, you can loosely tie it to a support stake to prevent it from breaking.

The term 'short-lived perennial' means that the plant does not last for decades in one spot like peonies, for example. Tree mallows usually grow well and flower abundantly for 3 to 5 years. Afterward, the plant may begin to become woody, flower less, or die during the winter. Therefore, it is advisable to renew the planting with new seedlings after a few years.

This species of tree mallow (Lavatera hybrida) is considered frost-hardy only up to zone 8b (approx. -10 °C). In our conditions, it is therefore a borderline plant:

• In warmer areas: It can survive the winter outdoors if you provide it with a thorough winter covering (a high layer of evergreen boughs, mulch, or horticultural fleece) and the site is protected from the wind.
• In colder areas: It is safer to grow it in a large container and move it to a cool, frost-free room for the winter, or expect that it may behave as an annual or short-lived perennial that will not survive harder frosts.

The tree mallow is a very rewarding perennial that blooms for a long time and persistently. The first flowers appear in June, and the plant continues to bloom through July and August, often until the first colder autumn days. Its white flowers will decorate your garden throughout the summer.

Yes, tree mallow stems are suitable for cutting. They last several days in a vase and look very elegant and clean. It is best to cut them early in the morning when the stems are full of water, and choose stems where the flowers are just starting to open. However, this plant is not suitable for drying.

If you notice brown to orange bumps (pustules) on the underside of the leaves and the leaves begin to yellow or fall off, it is likely a fungal disease called hollyhock rust.

Solution:

• Remove and discard infested leaves immediately (do not put them in the compost).
• Ensure sufficient air circulation around the plant.
• In case of a severe infestation, use a fungicidal product against rust.