Malva sylvestris
common mallow
M. sylvestris is an erect perennial that throws up flowering spikes up to 1.5m in height in summer and autumn. Flowers are grouped in the leaf axils and are five-petalled, notched and pink. Leaves are rounded at the base of the plant, but five-lobed on the stems
Other common names
cheese cakescheese flower
see morecheeses
high mallow
hock
hock herb
marsh mallow
mauls
maws
round dock
tall mallow
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- Europe, Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Occurs naturally, especially in the south of England, on disturbed ground and grassy verges
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to hollyhock rust and in turn infect cultivated hollyhocks
Get involved
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