Overview

Malva moschata is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Malva, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Malva moschata grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece and Italy.

About

Malva moschata, the musk mallow or musk-mallow, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is a herbaceous plant producing pink, five-petaled flowers in summer.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Malva moschata

About the genus

Malva is a genus of herbaceous or woody, annual, biennial, and perennial plants in the family Malvaceae. It is one of several closely related genera in the family to bear the common English name mallow. The genus is widespread throughout the temperate, subtropical and tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Europe.

Wikipedia contributors, "Malva", CC BY-SA 4.0Malva

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Malva

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Malva moschata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
herbaceous perennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.8 m
Suggested uses
Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Native to
Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy
Fragrance
musk-scented flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Malva moschata

Cultivation
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogged conditions; can be grown from seed or softwood cuttings; deadhead to prolong flowering
Pruning
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth
Propagation
Seed, Softwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Aphids
Disease resistance
Stem rot, Rust, Soil-borne fungal diseases

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Malva moschata?

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogged conditions; can be grown from seed or softwood cuttings; deadhead to prolong flowering.

Where is the best place to plant Malva moschata?

Malva moschata prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Malva moschata need?

Malva moschata grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Malva moschata?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

How big does Malva moschata grow?

Malva moschata reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Malva moschata hardy in the UK?

Malva moschata 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 Malva moschata?

Seed, Softwood cuttings.

More in the Malva genus

Browse all Malva