Lavatera 'Dwarf Pink Blush' Seeds

If you love the look of Hibiscus but live in a cool British climate, this is the plant for you. 'Dwarf Pink Blush' produces masses of large, trumpet-shaped flowers that shimmer with a satin-like sheen. The petals are a pale, blushing white that deepens to a rich rose-pink in the centre, marked with intricate dark veins.

Unlike its giant cousin the Tree Mallow, this is a compact, well-behaved variety. It forms a neat, bushy mound (about knee height) that smothers itself in blooms from July to September. It is incredibly fast-growing, making it the perfect "filler" for new borders or empty containers.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Pink Blush'

We love this plant for its texture. The flowers reflect the sunlight in a way that makes them look like they are made of expensive fabric. They add a touch of luxury to pots and patios without requiring any fuss.

It is also a lifesaver for gaps. Because it grows so quickly from seed to flower (often in just 12 weeks), you can sow it late in spring to fill any holes left by tulips or daffodils, ensuring you have colour right through the summer holidays.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual?

Lavatera trimestris is a Hardy Annual.

This means it completes its entire life cycle in one season.
The Benefit: It doesn't need overwintering. You sow it in spring, it gives you 3-4 months of solid colour, and then you pull it up in autumn.
Top Tip: Keep the water coming! While they are tough plants, they flower best when kept moist. If they dry out too much, they stop producing buds.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

These seeds are reliable and vigorous, making them great for beginner gardeners.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors March-April for early flowers, or directly outdoors April-May. Sow 5mm deep in moist compost. They germinate quickly (14-21 days) at around 20°C.

Where to Sow:
They are sun lovers. Plant in full sun. They aren't too fussy about soil type, but they prefer well-drained soil. This dwarf variety is excellent for pots and containers.

Care While Growing:
Deadheading is the secret to a long display. As the trumpet flowers fade and twist shut, snap them off. This prevents the plant from setting seed and encourages it to produce a second (and third!) flush of blooms.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

The shiny, satin texture of Lavatera looks best when paired with softer, fluffier plants:

• ❄️ Gypsophila 'Covent Garden': Texture contrast is key. The large, solid trumpets of the Lavatera look incredible sitting on a bed of frothy white Gypsophila. Both are fast-growing annuals that bloom at the same time.
• 🎨 Zinnia 'Lilliput Mix': For a bright, cheerful container, mix Lavatera with Zinnias. They are both bushy, heat-loving plants that will keep pumping out flowers until the first frost.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow in spring for flowers the same summer.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)