Whether To Cut Back Lavatera Bushes

Question

I have four lavatera (Barnsley baby) bushes and it has taken me 3 years to get them to flower. This year all four have given us an amazing display do I cut them back now ready for next year?

Answer 1

It can be grown as a perennial subshrub in warm regions, but it can't tolerate frost. I looked up your weather and I'm surprised your plants survive through the winter. Be sure to mulch them well during winter or grow them in pots and move them to a frost free area like the garage.

They can be pruned down to the first set of leaves in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This will encourage dense growth. The plants grow quickly so they should be ready to bloom by summer. Also feed with a 10-10-10 fertilizer in spring.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/lavatera/growing-lavatera-rose-mallow.htm