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ShrubsHerbaceous Perennial

Malva arborea
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

Other common names
sea lavatera
sea mallow
see morevelvet leaf
wild tree mallow
Synonyms
Lavatera arborea
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Malvaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

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