About
Althaea cannabina is a robust, herbaceous perennial characterized by its upright growth and woody base, reaching heights of up to 2 meters. It features hairy, lobed foliage that can grow as long as 35 centimeters. The plant produces cup-shaped blooms, measuring 3 to 5 centimeters in diameter, which can be found either individually or in clusters on elongated stems that emerge from the leaf axils. These flowers, which are lavender-pink with dark pink to purple anthers, typically bloom from mid-summer through early autumn.
About the genus
Althaea consists of annuals and perennials characterized by robust, slender stems and large, lobed leaves. From summer through autumn, they bear clusters of small flowers that range in color from pink to bluish-purple, each featuring five petals.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Will tolerate a wide range of situations, and rarely needs staking; for best results grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
- Pruning
- No pruning required, but stems can be cut to the ground once flowering is over
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to flea beetles
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to hollyhock rust