Overview
Althaea cannabina is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Althaea, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Althaea cannabina grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Portugal Continental.
About
Althaea cannabina, commonly called palm-leaf marshmallow or hemp-leaved hollyhock, is a perennial herb belonging to the genus Althaea of the family Malvaceae. The leaves resemble those of hemp, hence the specific epithet cannabina ("hemp-like").
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Althaea cannabina
About the genus
Althaea is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia. It includes Althaea officinalis, also known as the marshmallow plant, whence the fluffy confection got its name. They are found on the banks of rivers and in salt marshes, preferring moist, sandy soils.
Wikipedia contributors, "Althaea (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Althaea (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Althaea
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Althaea cannabina size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Portugal Continental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Althaea cannabina
- Propagation
- Seed sown in mid-summer
- Pest resistance
- Flea beetles
- Disease resistance
- Rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Althaea cannabina?
Althaea cannabina prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Althaea cannabina need?
Althaea cannabina is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Althaea cannabina hardy in the UK?
Althaea cannabina has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Althaea cannabina?
Seed sown in mid-summer.
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