Lavatera Patio Pastels - Renee's Garden

Lavatera trimestris

Patio Pastels Lavatera

Our special compact selection of cottage garden favorite Lavatera is covered all summer in large, satiny, chalice-shaped pink and white blossoms whose fluted rims resemble elegant single hollyhocks. Patio Pastels makes a gorgeous show, with bushy 2-2 1/2 foot plants and maple leaf-shaped foliage crowned with lavish flowers. These easy to grow, hard blooming flowers are stunning in big containers and shine in garden beds. Pollinators love them! Cut flower sprays make lovely bouquets.

Seed Count: Approx. 75-80 / Weight: 400 mg

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom.
Frost tender.

EASY TO PLANT OUTDOORS

After danger of frost is past, sow seeds in full sun in well-worked soil. Space seeds 2 inches apart, cover very lightly, gently firm soil and water carefully. Keep seedbed evenly moist. When seedlings are several inches tall, thin to final spacing. For Containers: space 6 inches apart. In Garden Beds: space 14-18 inches apart.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Four weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 2 inches apart in a container of seed starting mix. Cover very lightly. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outdoors. Transplant when seedlings are several inches tall.

CONTAINER GROWING

Big framed, bushy Lavertera plants need sizable pots, 16-18 inches tall and 14-16 inches in diameter. Use fresh, moistened potting soil. Check often: in hot weather, plants may need daily watering.

GROWING NOTES

Give these bushy, 2-2 1/2 foot tall plants enough room to flower freely. Water regularly and support long blooming by feeding with an all-purpose flower fertilizer every few weeks. Lavatera’s cheerful pink and white chalice-shaped flowers attract and feed bees, butterflies and beneficial insects. They also make long-lasting bouquet flowers.