Lavatera trimestris ‘Mont Blanc’ is a compact, bushy hardy annual producing an abundance of large, silky white, trumpet-shaped flowers with delicate silvery veining. Blooming throughout summer and into autumn, its luminous flowers stand out beautifully against fresh green foliage and bring an elegant touch to cottage gardens, sunny borders and informal planting schemes.
Easy to grow from seed and wonderfully free-flowering, Lavatera ‘Mont Blanc’ quickly fills gaps in borders and also performs well in larger containers. The open flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects, while the stems can be cut for relaxed summer arrangements. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, then deadhead regularly to encourage a long succession of flowers.
When to Sow: September–March indoors or March–May directly outdoors
How to Sow Lavatera:
Sow indoors: Sow seeds into individual pots or large modules filled with moist, well-drained seed compost. Cover very lightly with approximately 2mm of compost.
Keep at approximately 18–21°C. Germination normally takes 14–21 days.
Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, grow them on in cooler, bright conditions. Lavatera develops a substantial root system, so avoid leaving seedlings in small modules for too long.
Gradually acclimatise spring-sown plants before planting outside once the danger of frost has passed.
Seeds sown in autumn should be overwintered in a frost-free greenhouse or cold frame and planted outside the following spring.
Sow directly: Sow from March to May into finely prepared, well-drained soil where the plants are to flower. Sow approximately 5–6mm deep, water gently and keep the soil moist during germination.
Thin the seedlings gradually, leaving the strongest plants approximately 45–60cm apart.
- Classification: Annual, generally treated as half-hardy
- Expert level: Easy to grow
- Germination time: Approximately 14–21 days
- Days to maturity: 85–95 Days
- Flowering time: July–October
- Site: Full sun; preferably sheltered
- Soil type: Chalk, sand or loam
- Soil acidity: Acidic, neutral or alkaline
- Moisture: Moderately fertile and well-drained
- Care: Water during prolonged dry periods and deadhead regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Avoid overly rich soil, which can encourage excessive leafy growth.
- Use: Borders, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens and cut flowers
- Harvest: Cut during the coolest part of the day when the lower flowers have opened and the upper buds are beginning to show colour
- Vase life: Approximately 5–7 days
- Height: Approximately 60–75cm
- Plant spacing: 45–60cm