info@bloomindesigns.com
Imagine More Perennials Than You Can Imagine, Delivered To You - Free
Shop by Category
Shop by Brand
Shop by Brand
Malva
Easy-to-Grow Pollinator Flowers
Malva, commonly known as Mallow, is a versatile and charming addition to the garden.
- Charming, Cottage-Garden Appeal: Mallows have a classic, old-fashioned charm that fits perfectly in cottage gardens, informal borders, and wildflower meadows.
- Beautiful, Long-Lasting Blooms: They produce an abundance of cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and sometimes even striped or veined patterns. The blooming period extends from late spring or early summer through fall, depending on the species and climate.
- Attracts Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects are drawn to Malva's nectar-rich flowers.
- Easy to Grow & Low Maintenance: Mallows are generally undemanding plants that thrive in a variety of conditions. They are often drought-tolerant once established.
- Self-Seeding (in many cases): Many Malva species readily self-seed, creating a naturalized look and providing new plants for future years. This can be a benefit or a drawback, depending on your preference.
- Edible Flowers and Leaves (some species): The flowers and young leaves of some Malva species, particularly Malva sylvestris, are edible and can be added to salads or used as a garnish. Always confirm the edibility of a specific species before consuming.
- Deer tend to leave it alone.
General Guidelines (Apply to most Malva)
- Hardiness Zones: Most Malva species are hardy in Zones 3-9, but this varies by species. Check the specific plant tag.
- Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) is preferred for best flowering. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is best. Mallows are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as drainage is adequate. They can tolerate poor soils.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, keeping the soil moderately moist. Established plants are quite drought-tolerant.
- Spacing: Space plants 12-24 inches apart, depending on the mature size of the variety.
Planting
- Timing: Plant Malva in spring (after the last frost) or fall.
- From Seed: Malva seeds can be sown directly outdoors in the fall or early spring. Lightly cover the seeds with soil. They often benefit from a period of cold stratification (exposure to cold temperatures) to improve germination.
- From Transplants: Plant container-grown Malva at the same depth they were growing in their pots. Handle the root ball gently.
Growing and Care
- Fertilizing: Malva generally does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring 1 can be beneficial, especially in poor soils.
- Deadheading: Removing spent flowers (deadheading) encourages continued blooming and prevents excessive self-seeding (if that is a concern).
- Pruning: Cut back plants by about half after the first flush of blooms to promote bushier growth and a second bloom period. In late fall or early spring, cut back any remaining dead foliage to the ground.
- Staking (for taller varieties): Taller Malva species, such as Malva sylvestris 'Zebrina' and Malva moschata, may benefit from staking, especially in windy locations.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.
Propagation
- Seed: The easiest and most common method. Allow some flowers to go to seed if you want self-seeding. Collect seeds from dried seed pods.
- Division: Established clumps of perennial Malva can be divided in spring or fall, although this is not always necessary.
- Cuttings: Some species can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in spring or summer.
Pests and Diseases Malva is generally trouble-free, but watch out for:
- Japanese Beetles: Can skeletonize leaves. Hand-pick or use appropriate insecticides.
- Spider Mites: Can be a problem in hot, dry conditions.
- Rust: A fungal disease that can cause orange or brown pustules on the leaves. Ensure good air circulation.
- Leaf Spot: Another fungal disease.
Popular Malva Species and Varieties
- Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow): Includes many cultivars, such as 'Zebrina' (striped flowers) and 'Brave Heart'. Often biennial or short-lived perennial, but self-seeds readily.
- Malva moschata (Musk Mallow): Pink or white flowers with a musky fragrance. Bushier habit. Perennial.
- Malva alcea (Hollyhock Mallow): Taller than M. moschata, with larger flowers. 'Fastigiata' is a popular, upright cultivar. Perennial.
- Malva neglecta (Dwarf Mallow/Common Mallow): Often considered a weed but has edible leaves and flowers. Low-growing, spreading habit. Annual or biennial.
Managing Self-Seeding Many Malva species are prolific self-seeders. This can be desirable for a naturalized look, but if you want to control their spread:
- Deadhead regularly to prevent seed formation.
- Remove unwanted seedlings as they appear.
- Mulch heavily to suppress seed germination.
Malva (mal-vuh) Mallow, High Mallow; Malvaceae Family. Hardy annuals, biennials and perennials. All have flowers in the leaf axils, pink or white and alternate leaves. Malva syvestris (sil-vess-triss); 3 foot plant with 1 inch purple rose flowers, naturalized in North America. Malva is a short-lived perennial that is often grown as a biennial. Self-seeds in optimum growing conditions.