Overview
Althaea rosea is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Althaea, part of the Malvaceae family. Althaea rosea grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Asia.
About
Althaea rosea is a herbaceous perennial in the mallow family grown for its summer flowering. It prefers a sunny, south-facing position in fertile, well-drained soil of neutral to alkaline pH and a consistently moist root run. Rated H5, it is classed as hardy in the UK. Flowers appear in mid to late summer, suited to cutting and summer borders.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Alcea rosea
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)
In the garden
Althaea rosea belongs to the Malvaceae and is native to Asia; gardeners grow it principally for its season of summer blooms. It performs best in full sun on a south-facing site where soil is fertile, well drained but kept moist; neutral to alkaline pH is ideal. Exposure can range from sheltered to more open situations, so it will tolerate breezier spots provided roots are not allowed to dry out. The plant is H5 in hardiness, which means it is regarded as hardy for most UK gardens and will normally survive winter conditions without special protection. Establish in a fertile bed or back of a border where it can take full sun and access to moisture. Regular feeding with a balanced fertiliser during the growing season supports flower production. Use Althaea rosea in mixed borders, traditional cottage layouts or as a source of cut flowers; flowering runs from July to September, offering a steady supply for vases. Positioning on a south-facing bank or border maximises flowering display and cutting potential through the summer months.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Althaea
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- neutral to alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Althaea rosea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers
- Native to
- Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Althaea rosea
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Regular watering during dry spells is beneficial.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back after flowering to tidy plants.
- Propagation
- Seed sown in spring or autumn; also by root cuttings.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Althaea rosea?
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Regular watering during dry spells is beneficial.
Where is the best place to plant Althaea rosea?
Althaea rosea prefers full sun. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Althaea rosea need?
Althaea rosea grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Althaea rosea?
Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back after flowering to tidy plants.
Is Althaea rosea hardy in the UK?
Althaea rosea has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Althaea rosea?
Seed sown in spring or autumn; also by root cuttings.
