Malva 'Grey Beauty'

RHS Plant Profile
tree mallow 'Grey Beauty'
tree mallow 'Grey Beauty' RHS

Synonyms

Lavatera 'Grey Beauty'
Lavatera × clementii 'Silver Leafed Barnsley'

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs

A semi-evergreen subshrub to around 1.8m high, with densely downy, lobed and toothed silvery green leaves. Clusters of white flowers with deep pink eyes mature to pale pink as they age. Flowers from early to late summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 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 Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in light, moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun or light shade; 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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal 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