About
A woody-based perennial up to 90cm high, with a bushy, upright habit. Clear pink saucer-shaped flowers are produced all through the summer and into early autumn. Leaves are heart-shaped near the base, and finely dissected further up the stems.
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, 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
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
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 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