# Lavatera Pests
A small, refined relative of hollyhocks, lavatera (Lavatera thuringiaca) quickly grows into a 6- to 8-foot, rounded bush covered with flowers from midsummer to fall. Most varieties have pink flowers, although white ones are available; the pink Barnsley is a time-proven cultivar that blooms until frost. Also known as tree mallows, lavateras are easy to grow and are bothered by only a few insect pests.
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Lavatera Culture
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As with any plant, good cultural practices are the best defense against insect infestations. Grow lavateras in full sun, in a spot with good air circulation. They're adaptable to different soil conditions but do require good drainage. Feed them once in the spring with a fertilizer formulated for flowering garden plants, then again after the first flush of flowers appears. Clear away fallen flowers and other debris from under the plant to discourage insects.
Japanese Beetles
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Easily identified by their metallic green color, Japanese beetles are voracious, flower and leaf-eating insects prevalent in some parts of the country, particularly the South and Mid-Atlantic. Japanese beetles are especially fond of hollyhocks and related plants, including lavateras. The leaves on infested plants are skeletonized as the beetles eat the tender leaf tissue but leave the veins. Wash the insects off with a strong stream of water or knock them into a glass of soapy water to drown them. For heavy infestations, spray with an insecticide approved for use against Japanese beetles.
Aphids
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Small, triangular-shaped insects that come in many colors, aphids are a problem mostly in the spring and early summer, when lavatera and other plants are making lots of soft, tender growth. Look for them on the ends of new stems and on flower buds. Control light infestations with a strong stream of water. Heavy or widespread infestations require the use of an insecticide.
Spider Mites
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Spider mites are tiny relatives of spiders that damage lavatera plants by sucking out the juices between the top and bottom leaf surfaces. The top surface of the leaves appears spotted or mottled. Inspect the underside of leaves for egg cases, minute spider webs and the mites themselves -- you may need a magnifying glass to see them. Drought-stressed plants are more susceptible to mite infestation, so keeping your plants well-watered, particularly during unusually dry or windy weather, is your best defense. Treat infected plants with a miticide.
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