Lavatera olbia 'Red Rum'
A semi-evergreen subshrub to around 1.5m high, with lobed, slightly wrinkled grey-green leaves on dark red-brown stems. Clusters of deep reddish-pink flowers with darker veins are produced at the tips of the stems from early to late summer
Synonyms
Malva × clementii 'Rigrum'Lavatera olbia 'Red Rum'
see moreLavatera × clementii 'Rigrum'
Lavatera thuringiaca 'Red Rum'
Lavatera thuringiaca 'Rigrum'
Lavatera × clementii 'Red Rum'
Lavatera thuringiaca Red Rum
Lavatera × clementii Red Rum
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Malva can be annuals, biennials or perennials, with rounded, often palmately lobed leaves and 5-petalled, open funnel-shaped flowers in the leaf axils or in terminal racemes
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in light, moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun; may need support if grown in richer soils (see staking perennials). Shelter from cold winds in areas prone to frosts. May die back to a woody base in cold winters
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings from stems or basal shoots in early summer. Plants can be short-lived so regular propagation is recommended. As this plant is protected by Plant Breeders' Rights, any propagation should be for personal rather than commercial use
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to stem rot, a rust, and soil-borne fungal diseases
Get involved
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