Culture
Best grown in rich, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pavonia cymbalaria, commonly known as pavonia or Argentine mallow, is a low-growing shrubby plant of the mallow family that typically grows to 12” tall. It is native to Argentina. It features a long late spring to early summer bloom of pink, 5-petaled, mallow-like flowers (2 1/2” across) on stems clad with gray leaves.
Genus name honors Jose Antonio Pavon (1754-1844), Spanish botanist, who is noted for conducting botanical research on the flora of Peru and Chile during the period of 1777-1788.
Specific epithet comes from the Latin word cymbalum meaning cymbal in reference to leaf shape.
Problems
No known serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Cascade over walls. Rock gardens. Sunny informal areas.