Lavatera assurgentiflora - Mission Mallow

Description

This is a large evergreen shrub 5 to 15 feet tall. The magenta pink hibiscus-like flowers can be found all year long but bloom most profusely from May to August. They are attractive to hummingbirds and are a larval food source of the West Coast Lady butterfly. Plant in full sun. It will tolerate drought, wind, and salt spray. It is very fast-growing; it may reach 5' and bloom in its first year. Native to Channel Islands but naturalized along coastal California.