About
This semi-evergreen subshrub up to 2m high, with soft, lobed green leaves with toothed margins and finely hairy undersides. Long clusters of funnel-shaped flowers to 10cm across, with notched petals in shades of pink, purple or occasionally white, are produced at the tips of the stems throughout summer and into early autumn.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
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 frosts. May die back to a woody base in cold winters
PruningPruning group 6
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