Malva verticillata

RHS Plant Profile
Chinese mallow

Other common names

curled mallow

Synonyms

Malva crispa

Annual Biennial Herbaceous Perennial

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

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
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
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