How to Grow Holborn Glory
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Holborn Glory
Lavatera trimestris 'Holborn Glory'
flowerHolborn Glory is a striking annual mallow with large, vibrant rose-pink flowers featuring deep crimson veining and centers. This hardy, bushy plant grows 2-3 feet tall and blooms prolifically from summer through fall, creating a cottage garden favorite. It's easy to grow, drought-tolerant once established, and attracts pollinators throughout the season.
When should you plant Holborn Glory in your zone?
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Example Holborn Glory timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Holborn Glory
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Holborn Glory blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Holborn Glory dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11; treat as annual in cooler zones, can self-seed for next season
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with rounded cotyledons; develop first true leaves within 1-2 weeks.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light (indoors or sunny windowsill). Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy, branching stems with lobed, heart-shaped leaves; no flowers yet.
Pinch growing tips once plant has 3-4 sets of leaves to encourage bushier growth and more flowering stems. Water moderately. Begin hardening off 1-2 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
Bud Formation & Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear in leaf axils; first large pink blooms open with distinctive crimson veining.
Continue watering at soil level. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks to sustain blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous flowering.
Peak Bloom
6-10 weeks (mid-summer to first frost)Plant is covered with large, 2-3 inch rose-pink flowers with dark centers; full, bushy appearance.
Deadhead regularly to extend flowering season. Water during dry spells but allow soil to dry somewhat between waterings. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer if plant becomes too leafy.
Late Season & Seed Development
Until frostFlowering may slow as temperatures cool; if allowed, spent flowers develop round seed capsules.
Allow some flowers to finish if you want self-seeding next year. Otherwise, continue deadheading. Plants may decline with heavy fall frosts or freezing temperatures.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure good air circulation; water at soil level only. Remove affected leaves. Spray with sulfur or neem oil if severe. Avoid overhead watering.
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Remove infected leaves promptly. Improve air circulation. Apply sulfur dust in early morning. Avoid wetting foliage.
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Increase humidity and air circulation. Spray with water to dislodge mites. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe.
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Remove and destroy affected shoot tips. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil early in season. Encourage natural predators.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe large, delicate petals are edible with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and can be used to garnish salads, desserts, or beverages for visual appeal. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftThe large, vibrant blooms are excellent for fresh flower arrangements and cottage garden bouquets, bringing bold color and cheerful presence to indoor displays. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeHolborn Glory is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the blooming season, providing essential nectar and pollen sources. [source]
Easy, Low-Maintenance Gardening
HouseholdIts drought tolerance once established, disease resilience, and prolific self-seeding make it ideal for naturalistic, sustainable garden designs requiring minimal intervention. [source]
Harvest Tips
Holborn Glory is primarily grown for ornamental blooms rather than harvest. Cut flowers in early morning when fully open for the longest vase life (5-7 days). To collect seeds for next year, allow a few flowers to fade on the plant; collect seed capsules when dry and brown, then store in a cool, dry place. The plant will self-seed readily if seeds are allowed to drop.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Holborn Glory was introduced and named after the Holborn district in London, where it was developed as a superior cultivar of Lavatera trimestris in the early 20th century.
- 🌱 The distinctive crimson veining on the petals is not true pigment but rather thin areas of the petal that allow the deeper color beneath or light to create the dramatic pattern effect.
- 🌱 Lavatera is closely related to hollyhocks and mallows and shares their ability to self-seed prolifically; gardeners often find volunteers returning year after year once established in their gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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