Setup, Compatibility & Care
Planting:
- Select a location that receives full sun.
- Prepare the soil by ensuring it is light, moderately fertile, and well-drained. Amend heavy soils with grit or compost.
- Plant the Lavatera 'Marshmallow Strawberry Cream' at the same depth it was in its original pot.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Ongoing Care:
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist for the first month after planting, especially during dry spells. Once established, it becomes drought tolerant, but occasional watering during prolonged dry periods will benefit flowering.
- Feeding: A feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season can encourage more abundant blooms.
- Pruning: Trim back any straggly shoots in mid-summer if needed to maintain a tidy shape. A harder prune can be done in early spring to encourage new growth.
- Soil: Prefers light, well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Compatibility:
This plant is well-suited for sunny borders, mixed shrub plantings, and container gardening. It pairs effectively with perennial flowers, ornamental grasses, and other drought-tolerant shrubs.