Tree Mallow Seeds (Lavatera arborea)

Lavatera arborea (syn. Malva arborea), or Tree Mallow, is a Robust Biennial (H4). While technically a biennial, in the milder coastal regions of the UK, it can often behave as a short-lived perennial, returning for several seasons to provide height and structure.

Coastal Specialist: This is the ultimate "tough-as-nails" plant. It has evolved to withstand high winds, poor stony soil, and intense salt spray, making it a hero for seaside gardeners who struggle to find anything that won't be scorched by the ocean air.

Year-Round Presence: In its first year, it develops a thick, woody stem and a large rosette of soft, velvety leaves that remain attractive throughout the winter. In its second year, it explodes upwards, producing hundreds of hibiscus-like blooms from top to bottom.

Tree Mallows are vigorous growers and are exceptionally straightforward to raise from seed.

How to Sow:
Sow indoors in March to May or directly outdoors in late spring once the soil has warmed. Sow the seeds about 1cm deep in individual pots or modules to avoid root disturbance. Keep at 15-20°C; germination usually takes 14-21 days.

Where to Plant:
They thrive in full sun but will tolerate light, dappled shade. Tree Mallows are remarkably indifferent to soil quality—they will grow in sand, chalk, heavy clay, or poor stony ground. Their architectural size makes them perfect for the back of a border, for screening unsightly areas, or as the centerpiece of a tropical "jungle" garden.

Ongoing Care:
While the woody stems are very strong, they can occasionally rock in extreme gale-force winds; a sturdy bamboo cane or a sheltered spot is recommended for very exposed gardens. Water well during their first summer to establish a deep root system; once mature, they are highly drought-tolerant.

Tree Mallow is a towering structural star, perfect for the background of a border where it can provide a lush green wall for these available partners:

• 🦊 Foxglove 'Excelsior Mix': The Vertical Backdrop. Planting Foxgloves in front of Tree Mallow creates a spectacular tiered wall of flowers. The lush green foliage of the Mallow provides the perfect solid contrast for the colourful, speckled Foxglove spires.
• 🌼 Oxeye Daisy: The Wild Look. If you are gardening in an exposed coastal spot, pair Tree Mallow with the equally tough Oxeye Daisy. The bright white daisies provide a fresh visual break at the base of the tall Mallow stems.

Sow in spring for strong structural growth in Year 1 and exotic hibiscus blooms in Year 2.