This shrub to small tree has twisted smooth greyish stems and branches that form an open spreading habit. It has large semi-deciduous glossy green lobed leaves and the purplish pink funnel-shaped flowers appear singularly during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10 

Lavatera assurgentiflora is naturally found in North America growing in southern California in coastal stage scrub and on the lower mountains and the Channel Islands, appearing from sea level to altitude of 350 m (1000 ft). It has also naturalised in several other countries including Peru and Mediterranean region, Chile, New Zealand and Australia. 

It prefers a well-drained sandy to clay soil that is moderately fertile in an open sunny to semi shaded position and is drought and  salt laden wind tolerant, but frost tender and under cold conditions it can shed its leaves.

Mission Mallow is grown for its flowers and upright habit. It is planted along garden borders for screening or used around pools for a tropical effect and can be grown patip pots and planter boxes. It is suitable for exposed coastal and inland regions establishing in 2-3 years and is moderately long lived. This shrub is also grown to attract birds such as Allen’s Hummingbird and butterflies. ID 3404

Lavatera (LAH-vah-TEH-rah) assurgentiflora (AH-sur-JEN-tee-FLOH-rah)

Malvaceae (mal-VAY-see-ee)
Cotton, Mallows and Hollyhocks