Trials of perennial Lavatera indicate that most of these flamboyant shrubs are hybrids between two European species, explains Diana Miller

One of the most spectacular flowering plants of summer is Lavatera, the tree mallow. The common name is a little deceptive as this genus contains about 25 species, including annuals and herbaceous perennials as well as woody species. The majority come from Mediterranean areas and have large, showy flowers in shades of pink, mauve and white from early summer until autumn.

Following the formation of the Woody Plant Trials Committee, shrubby Lavatera was one of the first plant groups to be selected for trial, partly because it would establish quickly. Planted in spring 1994, the trial could be judged for the first time within a year or so. This enabled the Committee to avoid waiting many years for plants to be assembled, propagated, planted and reach maturity as is the case with slower-growing plants such as Rhododendron yakushimanum hybrids, a trial scheduled to last for at least 10 years.

During recent years tree mallows have gained in popularity and many new cultivars have become available. It was considered a good time to compare these and assess which could be recommended for the Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

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