Rose Mallow, Tanagra

Lavatera trimestris, common names annual mallow, rose mallow, royal mallow, regal mallow, common annual tree mallow syn. Althaea trimestris is a species of flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. It is an annual growing to 120 cm (47 in) tall by 45 cm (18 in) wide, producing shallow funnel-shaped flowers in summer, in shades of white and pink, with maroon centres and maroon veining on the petals. The Latin trimestris literally means "of three months", referring to the growing and flowering period. Numerous cultivars have been developed for garden use, all of which are annuals to be sown in spring for flowering the same year. The cultivars 'Beauty Series' and 'Silver Cup' have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.