Overview
Althaea officinalis 'Romney Marsh' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Althaea, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Althaea officinalis 'Romney Marsh' 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.
About
Althaea officinalis, the marsh mallow or marshmallow, is a species of flowering plant indigenous to Europe, Western Asia and North Africa, which is used in herbalism and as an ornamental plant.
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, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Althaea officinalis 'Romney Marsh' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Althaea officinalis 'Romney Marsh'
- Propagation
- Seed sown in mid-summer
- Pest resistance
- Flea beetles
- Disease resistance
- Rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Althaea officinalis 'Romney Marsh'?
Althaea officinalis 'Romney Marsh' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Althaea officinalis 'Romney Marsh' need?
Althaea officinalis 'Romney Marsh' 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 officinalis 'Romney Marsh' hardy in the UK?
Althaea officinalis 'Romney Marsh' 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 officinalis 'Romney Marsh'?
Seed sown in mid-summer.
