Lavatera clementii Barnsley - Tree Mallow

The Lavatera 'Barnsley' is a wonderful perennial shrub, as charming as it is generous, with flowers that range from white to pink around a more purplish heart, blooming during a very long summer to autumn period, even in poor, limestone and dry soils. The plant retains its foliage until the onset of winter and all year round in mild climates. In just two years, it can fill any perennial or shrub bed and adapts well to container gardening. Its generosity and charm more than make up for its limited lifespan and relative hardiness.

Lavateras belong to the large family of Malvaceae. It is a genus that includes many species, some more woody, and can be annual, biennial or perennial. They originate from various temperate regions around the world, but are mainly found in Mediterranean climates. Lavatera shrubs are generally quite short-lived, living only 3 or 4 years, sometimes longer when regularly pruned, but they easily multiply through propagation by cuttings.

The Lavatera 'Barnsley' is a vigorous shrub hybrid that was born a few years ago in the small village of Barnsley in England. The plant has a bushy and ramified habit, as wide as it is tall: it quickly reaches 1.50 m (5ft) in all directions, which can be adjusted depending on whether it is pruned more or less severely at the beginning of spring. This abundant and generous little shrub bears flowers that are 4-6 cm (2in) in diameter, composed of petals whose color evolves over time: white flowers with a red heart and pink flowers coexist on the same plant. These flowers are short-lived, but they constantly renew themselves from July to October. The foliage, more or less evergreen depending on the severity of winter, is composed of rounded palmately-lobed leaves, slightly fuzzy, 6 to 12 cm (2 to 5in) long, forming a very soft ensemble in a light green-gray tone. This lavatera is hardy down to -10°C in healthy and well-drained soil. Young plants tolerate frost better than mature ones.

Lavatera 'Barnsley' charms with its tender colors and generosity. It will be very beautiful in a bed of tall perennials or summer-flowering shrubs (dwarf Buddleias, Perovskia, Caryopteris). It also pairs well with white, pink or mauve bush roses, and the delicate flowers of white or red gauras. It is a full sun plant that also tolerates partial shade in hot climates, and shows a bit more longevity in well-drained soil. Its marriage with Sages, or even with its annual cousins Malopes (Malope 'Glacier Fruits Mixed') and Mallow is full of romance. By the seaside, it will retain its vegetation for most of the winter. It can also be grown in containers.