Description

‘Purisima’ is a hybrid of two Lavatera species: L. assurgentiflora of the Channel Islands and L. venosa of little San Benito Island off the Pacific Coast of Baja. The form is open and rounded, usually wider than tall. The large leaves can be 8 inches in diameter or more and display well over the light gray bark. In the spring and through much of the summer, large maroon flowers appear abundantly, often partially obscured by the large leaves. ‘Purisima’ tree mallow can be pruned safely to contain its sprawling habit. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types and seems to do best with occasional (monthly) water in inland locations. ‘Purisima’ seems to respond to hot, dry conditions by going dormant. All above ground growth will die back. New growth appears in the late winter. 'Purisima' may be kept green with occasional water. Some protection from the afternoon sun is helpful in hotter areas.