The lavatère, a colourful shrub reminiscent of holidays

Plant ID card

A verdant shrub capable of adorning itself with colourful blooms during the summer, the lavatera attracts all kinds of desires. And for good reason, this bushy and Mediterranean plant colors and decorates green spaces without requiring too much maintenance.

Lavatère, a surprising ornamental plant

Native to the Mediterranean region, the lavatera is a shrub capable of growing on its own in mild and dry climates. However, it can also take place in our gardens to make them even more pleasant. This annual or perennial plant, depending on its variety, is appreciated for its high drought resistance and easy cultivation. It requires little water and multiplies easily.

Once in the garden, its large, colourful flowers, similar to those of the hibiscus, brighten up the garden throughout the summer. Over time, the lavateres grow in size and form a pretty green bush that is highly appreciated for its ornamental appearance. It is ideal for dressing up a bare space in the garden or highlighting a corner.

How do you plant a lavater?

Lavatère thrives in well-drained soil and sunny exposure. Copyright (c) 2021 sergei kochetov/Shutterstock. No use without permission.

When to plant a lavater?

Lavatera are planted in spring at the end of the frost and bloom in summer. However, if your area is in a mild climate, you can start planting as early as early fall.

Where to plant lavateres?

To plant lavateres, it is preferable to favor deep and fertile soil. You can plant in regular soil, but remember to choose a well-drained soil to improve the plant's hardiness.

What exposure for a lavatère?

It is advisable to choose a sunny position and place the plant out of the wind!

How do you prune lavateres?

For the maintenance of the washerwomen, only prune annually and a few simple gestures the rest of the year:

• Remove faded flowers as you go to stimulate the appearance of more blooms;
• Prune short in early spring to increase plant vigor;
• Avoid pruning during the fall and winter.

How do you water lavateres?

It is a Mediterranean plant with a very low water requirement. However, in the first year, it is better to water regularly to encourage its establishment. Also remember to water regularly during periods of severe drought, in the middle of summer.

Is the lavatere afraid of frost?

The lavatere is resistant to sub-zero temperatures down to -15°C. But it is a chilly species that does not tolerate periods of intense cold. Frost that can be fatal if it falls below this limit. However, this shrub hates the wind and especially the cold winds from the north and east.

When does a lavatere bloom?

The first laverate flowers appear in early summer, during the month of June. Copyright (c) 2022 Edimoh/Shutterstock. No use without permission.

The flowering period of the lavatera starts with summer, with the first flowers arriving in June. Little by little, this flowering grows in size and is renewed until October.

How do you collect lavatere seeds?

Simply cut off the capsules containing the seeds, proceed gently so as not to cause them to fall out. The seeds can then be stored in a dry place before re-sowing them in pots or soil the following spring.

Why are the leaves on my lavatere turning yellow?

The presence of yellow foliage is a sign of overwatering. To save the plant, it is better to wait a few days before starting to water again, keeping in mind that watering should be moderate.

What is the difference between lavatere and hibiscus?

The lavatera resembles the hibiscus, but in reality they are two different species of ornamental plants, although belonging to the same Malvaceae family. The lavatera is somewhere between the hibiscus and the hollyhock. However, its wood is softer, more resistant and its needs are slightly different.