About
This low-growing, self-seeding annual to around 120cm in height, with a spreading habit and lobed and toothed green leaves. Very small, pinkish-white flowers appear at the end of the growing season. When cooked, it makes a very good alternative to spinach as it is more resistant to slugs when established, requires less watering and can be harvested over a long period. A great choice for a mixed perennial/annual planting scheme and performs well in a pot or container.
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 shade, Full sun, Partial shade
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 typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationSow indoors in seed trays, sow direct or in modules, planting out when seedlings are between 5 and 10cm high. Keep in a sheltered position, away from strong winds
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by softwood cuttings. Plants can be short-lived so annual propagation is recommended; early sowings may flower in the first year. May self-seed in place, though seedlings may vary
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hollyhock rust and soil-borne fungal diseases