LAVATERA. Plants of the mallow family, mostly European in origin and ranging from annuals to shrubs. Our interest is in the shrubby species. These are vigorous and bushy, with a lush covering of lobed, vaguely maple-like leaves and colorful blossoms similar to those of the hibiscus and hollyhocks. They are useful either individually or for shrubby borders, informal hedges and screens. Sun, reasonably well drained soils, and moderate to occasional, deep watering will suit them. The following should be hardy to 18^oF or less.

assurgentiflora. Channel Islands, California. An erect shrub, often growing 10’ tall or more but amenable to pruning and shearing. The leaves are 2" to 6" broad, usually smooth and lustrous in surface and dark green in color. It blooms 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 now have some unnamed selections with intensely colored flowers. This is one of the most useful species for screens and tall hedgerows, though not one of the hardiest.

bicolor. France. An openly branched shrub up to 6’ tall, with equal spread. Both stems and leaves are covered with tiny hairs, giving them a soft grey cast. The current selection has flowers a little over 2" across, light lavender pink in background with dark reddish purple veining and centers. The main show is in fall, with a scattering most of the year in coastal climates.

thuringiaca. Caucasus region. This species is close in appearance to L. bicolor, though generally a bit more compact and with somewhat greener leaves. The flowers are often 3" across and have an attractive silvery sheen. Flower colors range from pale pink nearly to crimson. ‘Barnsley’ is a bushy 5-8’ plant with distinctly greyish leaves. The flowers are shaded from bright pink to nearly white. ‘Bredon Springs’ is a compact selection with bright, slightly greyish green leaves and large rose pink flowers. ‘Kew Rose’ is a taller, more open plant with darker green, somewhat crisped leaves, the flowers similarly colored overall but showing darker centers. ‘Burgundy Wine’ has flowers colored a vivid deep pink (though hardly the shade one associates with the wine).