Malva × clementii Songbird ('Jobird'PBR)

RHS Plant Profile
tree mallow [Songbird]

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Synonyms

Malva × clementii 'Jobird'PBR
Lavatera × clementii 'Jobird'
Lavatera × clementii Songbird

Shrubs
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A semi-evergreen subshrub to around 1.8m high, with lobed and toothed green leaves on dark purple-brown stems. Clusters of flowers open white and mature to pale and then rose pink, from early to late summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Malvaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives 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

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings from stems or basal shoots in early summer. Plants can be short-lived so regular propagation is recommended. As this plant is protected by Plant Breeders' Rights, any propagation should be for personal rather than commercial use

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 6

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to stem rot, a rust, and soil-borne fungal diseases