About
Malva alcea, the greater musk mallow, is a perennial with erect or spreading stems to 1.2 m, sometimes more, with soft-green, deeply divided upper leaves. Bright-pink, saucer-shaped flowers are produced in clusters over a remarkably long flowering season. A beautiful and easy-care perennial for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Malva, the mallows, are annuals, biennials and perennials with rounded, often palmately lobed leaves and five-petalled, open, funnel-shaped flowers in pink, purple or white, in the leaf axils or in terminal racemes. Popular and easy-care plants for sunny borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden
Native toSE Europe, Turkey, Caucasus
Care notes
CultivationPrefers to grow in light, well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. It is likely to need support especially if grown on rich soils - see staking perennials. Can be short-lived
PruningPrune back flowered stems in the autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed. Sow in situ or in containers in early spring or early summer. Take basal cuttings in spring, see softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rust and leaf spot