LAVATERA

Mallow. Hardy annual and hardy perennial



Countryside gardens owe not a little of their floral brightness to the

Mallows. The modern varieties of Lavatera, however, far surpass in

effectiveness the flowers commonly met with and are regarded as among

the finest subjects for creating an imposing display in tall borders and

large beds. For this purpose the annual varieties, Loveliness, Rosea

splendens, and Alba splendens, are the most popular. As transplanting

is not to be depended upon, seed should be sown thinly in March, April

or May where the plants are wanted to flower. If the ground has been

generously prepared fine specimens will result, and each plant should be

allowed a spacing of at least two feet for development.



The perennial variety, L. Olbia, makes a bold subject for herbaceous

borders and shrubberies. Seed may be sown in pans any time from March to

August, putting out the plants when large enough for flowering in the

following season. Small plants of this variety may with advantage be

potted for conservatory decoration.