Overview
Malva sylvestris is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Malva, part of the Malvaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Malva sylvestris grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe and Asia.
About
Malva sylvestris is a tall perennial that can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters during the summer and autumn months. The flowers, which are five-petaled and pink with notched edges, emerge in clusters from the leaf axils. At the base of the plant, the leaves are rounded, while those along the stems are distinctly five-lobed.
About the genus
Malva includes annuals, biennials, and perennials characterized by their rounded, typically lobed leaves. The flowers, which have five petals, appear either in the leaf axils or as clusters at the ends of the stems.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Malva
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Malva sylvestris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe, Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Malva sylvestris
- Cultivation
- Occurs naturally, especially in the south of England, on disturbed ground and grassy verges
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to hollyhock rust and in turn infect cultivated hollyhocks
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Malva sylvestris?
Occurs naturally, especially in the south of England, on disturbed ground and grassy verges.
Where is the best place to plant Malva sylvestris?
Malva sylvestris prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Malva sylvestris need?
Malva sylvestris is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Malva sylvestris?
No pruning required.
How big does Malva sylvestris grow?
Malva sylvestris reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Malva sylvestris hardy in the UK?
Malva sylvestris has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Malva sylvestris?
Propagate by seed.
Is Malva sylvestris good for pollinators?
Yes — Malva sylvestris attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.