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.

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).