About
A bushy, semi-evergreen perennial to around 150cm in height, with grey-green lobed foliage. Masses of translucent, white flowers with a cherry-pink eye appear from April through to September.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationThrives in light, moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun to part shade, although the flower colours will be more intense if grown in full sun; may need support if grown in richer soils (see staking perennials). Shelter from cold winds in areas prone to frost
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in spring or autumn, or by softwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hollyhock rust and soil-borne fungal diseases