Overview
Lavatera assurgentiflora Kellogg ssp. glabra Philbrick is a species of flowering plant in the Malvaceae family. It is commonly referred to as the Island Tree Mallow or Channel Islands Tree Mallow and is native to the Channel Islands of California.
Appearance
The Island Tree Mallow is an erect shrub that can reach up to 12 feet in height. It has large, dark green leaves that are deeply lobed with toothed edges. The flowers of this plant are showy and can range in color from pink to purple. They typically bloom in the summer and fall.
Uses
Lavatera assurgentiflora Kellogg ssp. glabra Philbrick has several uses in landscaping and horticulture. It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its showy flowers and attractive foliage. Additionally, the leaves of the Island Tree Mallow can be used to make a tea that is commonly consumed on the Channel Islands. It is also known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to any wildlife garden.
Light Requirements
Lavatera assurgentiflora Kellogg ssp. glabra Philbrick requires full sun exposure to thrive. It can tolerate some light shade but requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is best suited to grow in USDA hardiness zones 9-10. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20° F if sufficiently established but prefers warmer temperatures above 40° F.
Soil Requirements
Lavatera assurgentiflora Kellogg ssp. glabra Philbrick prefers well-drained soil with a neutral pH ranging from 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate some drought, but regular watering is necessary during the establishment period.
It is also important to note that this plant is susceptible to root rot and bacterial infections when planted in heavy, poorly drained soil. Therefore, adding compost or sand to the soil mixture can help improve drainage and avoid these issues.
Cultivation
Lavatera assurgentiflora Kellogg ssp. glabra Philbrick, commonly known as Island Mallow, is a hardy plant that can be grown in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, or clay. The plant prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure. It can tolerate mild frost but cannot withstand heavy frost.
Watering Needs
Watering is essential for the growth of Lavatera assurgentiflora Kellogg ssp. glabra Philbrick. The plant requires regular watering during the growing season to keep the soil moist but not soaked. When the plant matures, it can tolerate minimal water, but it is advisable to water frequently during prolonged drought or extreme heat.
Fertilization
Lavatera assurgentiflora Kellogg ssp. glabra Philbrick requires little fertilizer to thrive. One application of general-purpose fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season is sufficient. Do not fertilize the plant after the first flowering as it can reduce the number of blooms.
Pruning
To keep the plant tidy and promote bushy growth, Lavatera assurgentiflora Kellogg ssp. glabra Philbrick requires annual pruning. Pruning involves cutting back the plant by up to two-thirds of its height in late winter or early spring. Deadheading or removal of spent flowers encourages the plant to bloom longer. It is advisable to wear gloves when pruning as the plant contains tiny hairs that can cause skin irritation.
Propagation of Lavatera Assurgentiflora Kellogg ssp. Glabra Philbrick
Lavatera Assurgentiflora Kellogg ssp. Glabra Philbrick, commonly known as island mallow or Malva Rosa, is a perennial shrub that propagates through several methods. Here are some of the propagation methods that you can use to grow more plants:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Lavatera Assurgentiflora is through seeds. The best time to sow the seeds is in late spring or early summer. You can start the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date or directly outdoors in a prepared bed.
The seeds of island mallow require light for germination, so you need to ensure that you sow them on the surface of the soil. After sowing, you can lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil to help keep them in place and retain moisture. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which should take around 7 to 21 days.
Division Propagation
You can also propagate Lavatera Assurgentiflora through division, which involves splitting the plant to create new plants. The best time to divide the plant is in spring before new growth emerges or in fall before the winter season. Make sure to lift the entire plant and use a sharp knife or spade to divide it into sections. Each section should have at least one stem and one root system.
Plant each section in a well-draining soil mix and water them thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist and protect the new plants from direct sunlight until they are established.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Lavatera Assurgentiflora is through cuttings, which involves taking stem cuttings and rooting them to create new plants. The best time to take cuttings is in summer when the plant is actively growing.
Select a healthy stem from the plant and make a clean cut below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting into a well-draining soil mix and keep it consistently moist until it roots, which should take around four to six weeks.
Once the cutting roots, you can transplant it to its permanent location and care for it like an established plant.
Disease Management
Lavatera assurgentiflora Kellogg ssp. glabra Philbrick is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, it can still be affected by a few diseases during its growth. One of the most common diseases is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems. It can be controlled by using fungicides such as potassium bicarbonate or neem oil. Regularly pruning the plant can also aid in reducing the chances of powdery mildew.
Viral diseases can also attack Lavatera assurgentiflora Kellogg ssp. glabra Philbrick, causing yellowing and mottling of leaves. Unfortunately, viruses are incurable, so the best way to control them is to prevent their spread. This can be achieved by using appropriate tools when pruning, ensuring that the soil and containers are sanitized, and not planting other plants infected with the virus in the same area.
Pest Management
Lavatera assurgentiflora Kellogg ssp. glabra Philbrick is also prone to pest attacks. Some of the most common pests that may affect Lavatera include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Aphids are tiny wingless insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and curling of foliage. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Removing weeds and keeping the plant clean can also reduce the infestation of aphids.
Spider mites are small pests that can multiply quickly and cause damage by sucking juices from the leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with water to dislodge them, or by using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Whiteflies are small insects that look like tiny white moths. Their infestation can cause yellowing and falling of leaves. Manage the presence of whiteflies by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or releasing parasitic wasps. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oils may also be used to control their population.
Overall, maintaining good plant health and hygiene and using organic pest management techniques are the best ways to manage pests and diseases affecting Lavatera assurgentiflora Kellogg ssp. glabra Philbrick.
