Lavatera trimestris ‘Pink Regis’ is a wonderfully floriferous annual covered in large, silky pink flowers with attractive darker veining towards the centre. The open, trumpet-shaped blooms are held above fresh green foliage on compact, bushy and well-branched plants.
 
Easy to grow from seed, ‘Pink Regis’ creates an impressive display in sunny borders, cottage gardens and informal planting schemes. Its branching stems can also be harvested for relaxed summer arrangements, with further buds continuing to open after cutting. The nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects.
 
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