Malva trimestris (synonyms Althaea trimestris, Lavatera trimestris), common names annual mallow, rose mallow, royal mallow, regal mallow,[1] and common annual tree mallow[2][3] is a species of flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region.

Annual mallow
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Malva
Species:
M. trimestris
Binomial name
Malva trimestris

It is an annual growing to 120 cm (47 in) tall by 45 cm (18 in) wide, producing shallow funnel-shaped flowers in summer, in shades of white and pink, with maroon centres and maroon veining on the petals.[4] The Latin trimestris literally means "of three months", referring to the growing and flowering period.[5]

This plant is widely cultivated, often under the name Lavatera trimestris. Numerous cultivars have been developed for garden use, all of which are annuals to be sown in spring for flowering the same year. The cultivars 'Beauty Series' [6] and 'Silver Cup'[7] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[8]

References

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  1. ^ L. trimestris at Malvaceae Info
  2. ^ "RHS Plantfinder - Lavatera trimestris". Retrieved 20 March 2018.
  3. ^ Synonymy of Lavatera at Malvaceae Info
  4. ^ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 978-1405332965.
  5. ^ Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. p. 224. ISBN 9781845337315.
  6. ^ "Lavatera trimesttris Beauty Series". RHS. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  7. ^ "RHS Plant Selector - Lavatera trimestris 'Silver Cup'". Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  8. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 59. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
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