About
A biennial/short-lived perennial of bushy habit to 2m in height and 1-2m spread. Flowers are 4cm wide, cup-shaped, in shades of pink to dark-pink, with dark-pink veining to the throat, and appear in summer. Foliage is semi-evergreen, leaves being 8-10cm wide, lobed to semi-palmate with serrated margins.
About the genus
Malva can be annuals, biennials or perennials, with rounded, often palmately lobed leaves and 5-petalled, open funnel-shaped flowers in the leaf axils or in terminal racemes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, N. Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Shelter from cold, drying winds in frost-prone areas. Often short-lived
PruningCut down growth in autumn
PropagationPropagate by taking softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to stem rot, soil-borne fungal diseases and a rust