About
Malva sylvestris, the common mallow, is an erect perennial throwing up flowering spikes up to 1.5 m in height in summer and autumn. Five-petalled, notched, pink flowers are grouped in the leaf axils, with rounded basal leaves and five-lobed stem-leaves. A bold and ornamental mallow for a wild garden or informal sunny 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, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, Asia
Care notes
CultivationOccurs naturally, especially in the south of England, on disturbed ground and grassy verges
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hollyhock rust and in turn infect cultivated hollyhocks