LAVATERA assurgentiflora. Channel Islands. An erect shrub of the mallow family, often growing 10' tall or more but amenable to pruning and shearing. The leaves are 2" to 6" broad, with maple-like lobes. They are usually smooth and lustrous in surface and dark green in color. Flowering lasts from spring to fall. The flowers are up to 3" broad and colored various shades of pink, with darker veining. Thanks to horticultural friend Michael Willetts, we are able to offer an unnamed selection with intensely colored flowers. It is useful both as a specimen shrub and for screens and tall hedgerows. Sun or light shade, many soils, moderate watering. Hardy to 20oF. or less.