Lavatera trimestris ‘Ruby Regis’ is a striking annual producing masses of large, open, ruby-red to deep rose-pink flowers, beautifully marked with darker veining. The silky, trumpet-shaped blooms are carried freely above bushy, well-branched plants throughout summer.
 
Fast growing and easy to raise from seed, ‘Ruby Regis’ is perfect for adding rich colour to sunny borders and cottage-style planting. Its strong, branching stems can also be cut for loose, natural flower arrangements, while the nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects. Deadhead regularly to keep the plants flowering for as long as possible.
 
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