[Maarten]

Hi,

I was wondering whether anyone would know which plant this is? I have sown it this year, but don't know whether it is an annual or perennial.

Thanks,
Maarten

[mumofstig]

It looks like  Lavatera, to me, an annual.

[Mrs Bee]

It is a Malope.

I grew lots in my garden this year and last year.

You can get white, pale pink or deep pink like the one in your picture.

I have a bowl of seed heads in the kitchen at the moment waiting to be dried and packed for next year.

[mumofstig]

Lavatera and Mallow are both names for the same thing (or family) 

http://www.rareplants.es/shop/prodtype.asp?CAT_ID=404

[Fairy Plotmother]

I agree!

[Maarten]

Malope it is indeed. Thank you very much. It is not inthe genus Lavatera, but does come from the mallow family. The seeds are very different from Lavatera.

Thanks,

Maarten

[mjg000]

Lavatera tends to grow on as a shrub for several years, you can cut it right back and it will still flower the next year.  The less cultivated ones that seed themselves are the mauve ( often seen growing like a weed ) whereas the pale pink is a cultivated one sold in garden centres etc.