Malva verticillata
Chinese mallow
A low-growing, self-seeding annual to around 120cm in height, with a spreading habit and lobed and toothed green leaves. Very small, pinkish-white flowers appear at the end of the growing season. When cooked, it makes a very good alternative to spinach as it is more resistant to slugs when established, requires less watering and can be harvested over a long period. A great choice for a mixed perennial/annual planting scheme and performs well in a pot or container
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Pink White | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Sow indoors in seed trays, sow direct or in modules, planting out when seedlings are between 5 and 10cm high. Keep in a sheltered position, away from strong winds
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings. Plants can be short-lived so annual propagation is recommended; early sowings may flower in the first year. May self-seed in place, though seedlings may vary
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to hollyhock rust and soil-borne fungal diseases
Get involved
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