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 arboreaSize
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
- Yes
- 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
- Wildlife gardens
- 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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