Plant of the Month: December 2010

Lavatera assurgentiflora , Island Mallow, Mission Mallow, Malva Rosa: shrub growing to 12 ft. with 3-5" maple-like leaves. Rosy/lavender white striped flowers, 2-3" wide and resembling a single Hollyhock, bloom nearly all year.  Drought resistant, Lavatera can be used as a fast growing windbreak hedge.  This plant is a Channel Islands native, but naturalized along coastal California. Needs sun, but has low water requirements.  The jewel-like flowers are attractive to hummingbirds.

To see more suggestions for drought resistant landscape plants, 

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