Malva
Mallow
- Height × spread
- 0.45m – 4m × 0.3m – 2.5m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Generally available in late Spring & Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 30 species of mallow, both annual and perennial, sub-shrub and herbaceous forms. They are valued for their soft-looking rounded flowers. They include Malva alcea, a herbaceous form with pink flowers and Malva moschata, the musk mallow, a perennial that has flowers coloured white, pink and purple. Malva sylvestris is a picturesque herbaceous plant that comes in a good range of colours including blue as in 'Primley Blue', the pale purple 'Cottenham Blue', and the common mallow, Malva neglecta.
- Flower colour
- Blue, Grey, Pink, Purple, Red, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell, Column
- Height
- 0.45m – 4m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 2.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Scented garden, Prairie garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Maintenance
- Some varieties are easycare (low/no maintenance)
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Summer
Summer-Autumn · Planting
Support tall stems
The plant may require support for long stems. Provide an artificial frame which it can grow through, or loosely tie the whole plant. A network of twigs can be woven together to provide a framework through which the plant can grow.
Tall stems can lean or be battered by weather. Support the plant to keep its vertical lines, aiming for a natural appearance which is easy on the eye.
Planting & general
Planting
Prune some varieties
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for pruning. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for pruning guidance.
Planting
Support some varieties
Some plants within this genus may require support for young plants and/or long stems. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.
Found in
More Malva
Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana 'Primley Blue'
Blue mallow, Common mallow, Tall mallow, High mallow, Cheeses
Malva alcea
Algerian mallow, Cut leaf mallow
Malva moschata
Musk mallow
Malva moschata 'Rosea'
Musk mallow
Malva moschata f. alba
Musk mallow
Malva sylvestris
Common mallow, Tall mallow, High mallow, Cheeses