Lavatera thuringiaca

Let’s slip back into summer mode for just a moment: I’ve admired the Lavatera thuringiaca flowers for as many summers as I can remember it being in my mother’s garden.

In Finnish it is named “Harmaamalvikki” meaning “the grey mallow”. The name is misleading, as it has beautiful, delicate light pink flowers, and at its best, it’s brimming with them. Apparently, it got its name from the slightly grayish tint of its stems and leaves.

This summer, I planted some in my own backyard, but in its first season, it only managed to produce a single bloom. Hopefully, next summer will bring more!

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