Malva alcea
greater musk mallow
A perennial with erect or spreading stems to 120cm, sometimes more. Upper leaves usually very deeply divided, soft green. Flowers bright pink, saucer-shaped, in axillary and terminal clusters and produced over a long flowering season. Flowers and leaves similar to those of the native M. moschata, but on a much taller plant
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SE Europe, Turkey, Caucasus
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers to grow in light, well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. It is likely to need support especially if grown on rich soils - see staking perennials. Can be short-lived
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Sow in situ or in containers in early spring or early summer. Take basal cuttings in spring, see softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Prune back flowered stems in the autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to rust and leaf spot
Get involved
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