Until the success and popularity of Mont Blanc and Silver Cup' in 1979, Lavatera trimestris was virtually unknown. Breeders took up the challenge of carefully selecting and developing this species and have now come up with yet another Gold Medal winner. Telling a tale of its own, 'Novella' is the latest addition to this success story. The Fleuroselect judges were particularly impressed by the compact and uniform habit of 'Novella', which opens up a new market for the use of Lavatera by both professionals and consumers. The significantly long flowering season of this beautiful dwarf variety provides an added bonus.
In detail
Lavatera belongs to the Malváceae family and is native to the Mediterranean region. Breeders have turned this little known old cottage garden favourite into a splendid bushy annual, which is bold enough and bright enough to hold its own in a mixed border amongst showy perennials. The modern varieties of Lavatera are much lower and compact than the wild species and come in pink and white colours. Lavatera trimestris lives up to its name since trImestris suggests a three-month blooming period. Lavatera trimestris 'Novella' is a proud and stately annual that grows to 35 cm high and produces a constant profusion of large trumpet shaped rose-colored flowers with a satiny sheen. Its beauty lies in the simplicity of the blooms. 'Novella's compact and uniform habit opens up a new market for the use of Lavatera by both professionals and consumers. The significantly long flowering season of this beautiful dwarf variety provides an added bonus to its grower. 'Novella' is destined to be one of the most versatile plants in the garden since it associates well with shrubs and hardy perennials, which are increasingly growing in popularity. It is also invaluable as a showcase in a bed of annuals. Being moderately fast growing, 'Novella' will make an attractive low growing hedge or screen and hold its own in mixed border plantings. Its use in the creation of spectacular containers adds a new dimension to its qualities.
