Malvastrum lateritium

Malvastrum lateritium (28/07/2014, Rue de la Pointe Park, Brest, France)

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Summer to early autumn

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 40cm

Eventual Spread: 1.2m

Hardiness: 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a

Family: Malvaceae

Malvastrum lateritium is a semi evergreen perennial with a spreading habit . Its dark green leaves are palmate with serrate margins, up to 8cm long and 7cm broad. Its orange/ pink hermaphrodite flowers are saucer shaped and up to 5cm across. Its stems may root where the stems touch the ground.

Malvastrum lateritium Flower (28/07/2014, Rue de la Pointe Park, Brest, France)

Malvastrum lateritium, commonly known as Creeping Mallow, is native to south South America, including Argentina.

The etymological root of the binomial name Malvastrum is named after the Malva plant, due to its similarity. Lateritium is derived from the Latin later meaning ‘brick’, in reference to the flower’s colour.

The landscape architect may find Malvastrum lateritium useful as a free flowering ground cover perennial.

Ecologically, Malvastrum lateritium flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

Malvastrum lateritium Leaf (28/07/2014, Rue de la Pointe Park, Brest, France)

Malvastrum lateritium prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes dry soils.

Malvastrum lateritium requires little maintenance.