About
Malva moschata, the musk mallow, is an erect, woody-based perennial to 90 cm with slightly musk-scented, rounded basal and deeply fingered stem-leaves. Pale-pink, bowl-shaped flowers up to 6 cm across are borne in the upper leaf axils in summer and early autumn. 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, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, N. Africa
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationThrives in light, moderately fertile, well drained soil 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 or by softwood cuttings from stems or basal shoots in early summer. Plants can be short-lived so regular propagation is recommended
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to stem rot, a rust, and soil-borne fungal diseases