Malva arborea
tree mallow
A biennial/short-lived perennial of bushy habit to 2m in height and 1-2m spread. Foliage is semi-evergreen, leaves being 8-10cm wide, lobed to semi-palmate with serrated margins. Flowers are 4cm wide, cup-shaped, in shades of pink to dark-pink, with dark-pink veining to the throat, and appear in summer
Synonyms
Lavatera arborea
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- 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
- Europe, N. Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Shelter from cold, drying winds in frost-prone areas. Often short-lived
Propagation
Propagate by taking softwood cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut down growth in autumn
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be subject to stem rot, soil-borne fungal diseases and a rust
Get involved
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