The Thuringian tree poplar flowers until autumn. We have summarized all planting and care tips for you here.
This plant description does not deal with an imposing tree, but with a shrub that can find its place in every garden.
It takes some patience for the bush mallow to grow into a pretty perennial. The hobby gardener is rewarded and with its light pink flowers the Thuringian shrub poplar enriches borders, perennial gardens and cottage gardens well into autumn.
Thuringian shrub poplar - origin
The Thuringian tree poplar (Lavatera thuringiaca) does not come from Thuringia, which gives it its name, but was only introduced here and has become wild over time. Natural occurrences can be found in and around Vienna, in Burgenland and in Lower Austria. The plants prefer moist, loamy soil and are often found near bodies of water.
Confusion with Musk Mallow may occur. Musk mallows usually have much larger flowers and the petals are completely separated from each other. In contrast, the leaves of the Thuringian shrub poplar are fused together.
| Thuringian shrub poplar (Lavatera thuringiaca) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | clump-forming to densely bushy |
| Growth: | 100 - 200 cm |
| Growth: | 80 - 100 cm |
| Flower: | light pink to light purple, July - September |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | permeable, fresh, nutritious |
Thuringian shrub poplar - use
The Thuringian tree poplar is an enrichment for the cottage garden. The bush mallow also fits into the picture in the Heidegarten. The flower colors range from white and pink to purple. The Thuringian tree poplar not only pleases the eye of the hobby gardener, but also attracts bees and numerous other insects to the bed.
An overview of possible uses:
- Cottage Garden
- Heidegarten
- Rock Garden
- Bee pasture
- potted plant
- Wood edge
- Natural Garden
Planting Thuringian shrub poplars
➔ Find the right location
A sunny location is ideal so that you can enjoy rich flowering. The Thuringian shrub poplar can also cope with a partially shaded location. The Poplar Rose loves a warm and sheltered location. The flowers are particularly rich in contrast in front of walls or hedges.
➔ Choosing the ideal substrate
Lavatera thuringiaca needs a fresh, nutritious substrate. The soil should be well drained. A moist location is better tolerated than prolonged drought. The Thuringian shrub poplar does not get waterlogged.
» Tip: If the plant is to be cultivated in a bucket, compost-based potting soil is best suited. Soils that are too peat compact more easily.
➔ Plant Thuringian shrub poplar - step by step
The best planting time for the Thuringian shrub poplar is autumn.
- Select Location
- Prepare the ground
- Note planting distances
- Dig planting hole
- Water plant
- Insert plant
- Fill substrate
- Press the earth well
- Water the plant
Thuringian shrub poplar - care
➔ Water the Thuringian shrub poplar properly
In a sunny location, the Thuringian tree poplar needs frequent watering. On hot summer days it may be necessary to water several times a day. In the early morning hours and in the evening, the water can be best absorbed by the soil.
The Thuringian tree poplar tolerates brief periods of drought, but is very sensitive to waterlogging. The finger test can be used to check whether the plant needs to be watered promptly. If the upper layer of soil has dried, it is watered, if the substrate still feels damp, watering can be postponed.
» Tip: The Thuringian tree poplar should not be watered from above. Getting too much moistureon the leaves, this favors fungal attack.
➔ Fertilize Thuringian shrub poplar properly
The Thuringian tree poplar is grateful for fertilization with garden compost or horn shavings. The fertilizer is worked into the soil in spring. If the substrate contains only a few nutrients, top-up fertilization in June is advisable.
» Tip: In the tub, the nutrients are used up after just a few weeks. Fertilize every four weeks during the flowering period. Potted plants will no longer be fertilized from September.
➔ Pruning Thuringian shrub poplar
To ensure that more flowers form, faded flowers should be removed regularly. Before the first frost, only the withered flowers are removed. The pruning takes place in early spring. Then the branches are cut in half.
» Tip: If you cut directly over a sleeping eye, the plant will grow particularly bushy.
Frozen shoots are cut back into he althy wood. Dead branches are completely removed.
Propagating Thuringian shrub poplars
The Thuringian shrub poplar can be divided every two to three years. This not only improves growth and flowering, you also get a new, strong plant that can be transplanted immediately.
Propagation is also possible by sowing. Proceed as follows:
- Soak seeds for several hours
- Fill the seed tray with potting soil
- Insert seeds about an inch deep
- Moisten seeds
- Place planter in semi-shade
- Plastic or glass cover on seeds
Thuringian shrub poplar wintering
The Thuringian tree poplar does not need winter protection. The native plant tolerates temperatures down to -17 degrees without any problems.
» Tip: If the soil is not permeable enough, the perennial can be damaged by the frost. Protection with fir twigs is then helpful.
Potted plants are more susceptible to frost. If the bucket freezes through, the plant can no longer absorb any nutrients and dies. If the plant pot is placed on a base made of wood or styrofoam, it is protected against freezing.