Malva sylvestris mauritiana
mallow
A striking mallow with large, deep pinkish-purple flowers marked by darker veins, creating a bold contrast against its mid-green, lobed foliage. Blooming from early summer to autumn, it attracts bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
This tall, upright perennial grows to around 1.2m (5ft), resembling a hollyhock and sometimes called French hollyhock or tall mallow. Though short-lived, Malva sylvestris mauritiana readily self-seeds, ensuring continuous presence in borders or wildflower meadows.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, performing well in containers or cottage gardens. Cutting back after flowering helps maintain a tidy shape and encourages fresh growth.
This tall, upright perennial grows to around 1.2m (5ft), resembling a hollyhock and sometimes called French hollyhock or tall mallow. Though short-lived, Malva sylvestris mauritiana readily self-seeds, ensuring continuous presence in borders or wildflower meadows.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, performing well in containers or cottage gardens. Cutting back after flowering helps maintain a tidy shape and encourages fresh growth.
How to care for Malva sylvestris mauritiana:
Plant Malva in a sunny position with well-drained, moderately fertile soil, adding organic matter at planting time for best results. Space plants 45cm (18in) apart to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of mildew.
Water regularly until established, then only during prolonged dry spells, as mature plants become drought-tolerant. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support growth and flowering, but avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage more leaves than blooms.
Keep an eye out for rust and powdery mildew, removing affected leaves and ensuring good airflow to prevent disease.
In exposed areas, tall stems may need staking to prevent wind damage. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming and reduce self-seeding unless seedlings are desired. After flowering, cut back to within 30cm (12in) of the ground in spring once frosts have passed, and mulch with well-rotted compost or manure to retain moisture and improve soil structure.
In windy sites, shortening stems by half in autumn helps minimise the risk of damage.
Water regularly until established, then only during prolonged dry spells, as mature plants become drought-tolerant. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support growth and flowering, but avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage more leaves than blooms.
Keep an eye out for rust and powdery mildew, removing affected leaves and ensuring good airflow to prevent disease.
In exposed areas, tall stems may need staking to prevent wind damage. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming and reduce self-seeding unless seedlings are desired. After flowering, cut back to within 30cm (12in) of the ground in spring once frosts have passed, and mulch with well-rotted compost or manure to retain moisture and improve soil structure.
In windy sites, shortening stems by half in autumn helps minimise the risk of damage.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.2m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
Unavailable
Seed Packets (only)£2.95
