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    • Malva

    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.

    • Malva sylvestris Zebrina 30ct Flat Malva sylvestris 'Zebrina' (30)ct Flat

      Malva

      Malva sylvestris 'Zebrina' (30)ct Flat

      Malva sylvestris 'Zebrina' (30)ct Flat Common Name: Mallow-Hollyhock, Zebra Mallow, Striped Mallow; Family: MalvaceaeErect, compact tough herbaceous perennial, 'Zebrina' sports soft pink flowers with raspberry-purple veins look like...

      $167.65
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    Malva sylvestris, a classic beauty! It seems you are interested in learning more about this lovely plant. I can tell you all about it. Here is a summary of its key features and benefits:

    • Common Names: High Mallow, Common Mallow, Wood Mallow, Cheeses
    • Family: Malvaceae
    • Native Range: Europe, Western Asia, Northern Africa
    • Hardiness Zones: 4-8

    Appearance:

    • Height: 2-4 feet tall
    • Spread: 2-3 feet wide
    • Flowers: Showy, 5-petaled, rose-purple with darker stripes, blooming from July to September
    • Leaves: Rounded to kidney-shaped, 2-4 inches long, with 3-7 shallow lobes

    Growing Conditions:

    • Sun: Full sun to part shade
    • Water: Medium moisture
    • Soil: Well-drained soil
    • Maintenance: Low maintenance, but deadheading encourages more blooms

    Benefits:

    • Attracts pollinators: Bees and butterflies love the nectar-rich flowers
    • Edible: Young leaves and flowers can be added to salads
    • Naturalizes readily: Self-seeds to create beautiful colonies
    • Versatile: Suitable for borders, cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and even as cut flowers

    Interesting Facts:

    • The name "cheeses" comes from the shape of the seed pods, which resemble miniature cheese wheels.
    • Malva sylvestris has a long history of use in herbal medicine.

    Malva FAQ

    Malva sylvestris, commonly known as High Mallow, is a captivating wildflower native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. Its stately presence and vibrant blooms have made it a popular garden addition for centuries.

    A Tower of Beauty:

    High Mallow is a tall, herbaceous perennial that can reach a height of 2-4 feet. Its sturdy stems are adorned with large, rounded to kidney-shaped leaves, each with 3-7 shallow lobes. The leaves have a rough, hairy texture and range in color from green to gray-green.

    The true beauty of High Mallow lies in its stunning, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall. These flowers, typically a vibrant rose-purple with darker stripes, are arranged singly or in clusters along the stems. Each flower features five petals that gracefully unfurl, revealing a central cluster of stamens.

    High Mallow is a hardy and adaptable plant that thrives in a variety of conditions:

    • Light: Full sun to partial shade.
    • Soil: Well-drained, medium-moisture soil.
    • Maintenance: Low maintenance. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
    • Propagation: Easily grown from seed or by division. Self-seeds readily in suitable conditions.

    Key Features:

    • Showy Flowers: The large, vibrant blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
    • Long Bloom Season: Provides color and interest throughout the summer.
    • Naturalization: Self-seeds readily, creating beautiful, naturalized plantings.
    • Wildlife Value: Supports a variety of pollinators and provides food and shelter for birds.
    • Edibility: Young leaves and flowers are edible and can be added to salads.

    Landscape Uses:

    • Borders: Adds a striking vertical element to garden borders.
    • Cottage Gardens: Blends seamlessly with other wildflowers and perennials.
    • Meadows: Creates a naturalized, wildflower-filled look.
    • Cut Flowers: Long-lasting blooms for bouquets and arrangements.
    • Genus: Malva
    • Species: sylvestris
    • Family: Malvaceae
    • Common Name: High Mallow, Common Mallow, Wood Mallow
    • Native Range: Europe, Western Asia, Northern Africa
    • Hardiness Zones: 4-8
    • Height: 2-4 feet
    • Spread: 2-3 feet
    • Bloom Time: July to September
    • Flower Color: Rose-purple with darker stripes
    • Sun: Full sun to part shade
    • Water: Medium
    • Maintenance: Low
    • Propagation: Seed, division
    • Wildlife Value: Attracts pollinators and provides food for birds
    • Edibility: Young leaves and flowers are edible

    High Mallow is a versatile and captivating plant that adds beauty and charm to any garden. Its stately stature, vibrant blooms, and long-lasting flowering make it a valuable addition for both novice and experienced gardeners.

    Malva moschata, commonly known as Musk Mallow, is a delightful European native that brings a touch of old-fashioned charm to gardens with its fragrant flowers and foliage. This herbaceous perennial, belonging to the Mallow family, has naturalized in North America, often gracing roadsides, and open fields.

    Fragrant Beauty:

    Musk Mallow is a relatively compact plant, reaching a height of 2-3 feet with a spread of about 2 feet. Its beauty lies in the abundance of showy, rose-pink flowers that bloom from early summer to early fall. These blossoms, measuring about 1.5 inches across, boast five notched, wedge-shaped petals and a unique musky fragrance that intensifies when the foliage is crushed.

    This easy-to-grow perennial thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a versatile choice for gardens.

    • Light: Full sun to partial shade (6 or more hours of direct sunlight to 2-6 hours).
    • Soil: Adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy loam. Prefers moist to dry conditions with good drainage.
    • Maintenance: Generally low-maintenance. Deadheading can encourage prolonged blooming. Prune back to main branches after the first flush of flowers to stimulate new growth and a second bloom.
    • Propagation: Easily grown from seed. Self-seeds readily, naturalizing in suitable locations.

    Noteworthy Characteristics:

    • Drought Tolerant: Withstands dry periods, though leaves may yellow in extreme heat.
    • Wind Resistant: Tolerates strong winds but dislikes salt exposure.
    • Wildlife Friendly: Attracts butterflies and bees with its nectar-rich flowers.
    • Edible: Leaves, flowers, and seeds are edible and can be added to salads.

    Landscape Uses:

    • Butterfly Gardens: A must-have for attracting pollinators.
    • Cottage Gardens: Enhances the informal and romantic atmosphere.
    • Meadow Plantings: Creates a naturalized look in wildflower meadows.
    • Borders: Adds a soft, textured element to garden edges.
    • Accent Plant: Provides a pop of color and fragrance.
    • Genus: Malva
    • Species: moschata
    • Family: Malvaceae
    • Life Cycle: Perennial
    • Height: 2-3 feet
    • Width: 1.5-2 feet
    • Hardiness Zones: 3a-8b
    • Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall

    Musk Mallow is a charming and adaptable plant that brings beauty, fragrance, and wildlife to the garden. Its easy care and self-seeding nature make it a favorite for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

    Malva neglecta, often dismissed as a common weed, is a surprisingly versatile and resilient plant with a hidden charm. Also known as Common Mallow, Cheeseweed, or Dwarf Mallow, this herbaceous perennial belongs to the Malvaceae family, which includes beloved plants like hibiscus, okra, and cotton.

    A Spreading Beauty:

    Common Mallow is a low-growing plant with a sprawling habit. Its branching stems can reach up to 3 feet in length, forming a dense mat of foliage that can spread several feet wide. This makes it an excellent groundcover for areas with disturbed soil.

    The heart-shaped leaves, measuring 2.5 by 3 inches, are a key identifying feature. They have 5 or more shallow lobes and are deeply indented at the base. Delicate, papery white to light pink or purple flowers with five petals bloom abundantly throughout the summer. Each flower measures about ¾ inch across and appears on short stalks, often in clusters of 1 to 3.

    Adaptable and Resilient:

    Common Mallow is a survivor, thriving in a wide range of conditions:

    • Light: Full sun to partial shade.
    • Soil: Adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. Tolerates acidic, alkaline, and neutral pH.
    • Moisture: Prefers moist to slightly dry conditions.
    • Maintenance: Low maintenance. Can tolerate mowing and occasional disturbance.

    Unique Characteristics:

    • Rapid Growth: Quickly covers bare ground and suppresses weeds.
    • Drought Tolerance: Can withstand dry periods, though lower leaves may wither.
    • Self-Seeding: Produces abundant seeds that can persist in the soil for years.
    • Edible: Leaves and flowers are edible and can be used in salads or as a cooked green.
    • Wildlife Value: Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
    • Managing its Spread: While Common Mallow can be a valuable groundcover, its self-seeding nature can lead to unwanted spread. To control its growth:
    • Remove seedlings: Identify and remove young plants before they develop four true leaves.
    • Prevent seed production: Remove plants before they flower and set seed.
    • Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch to suppress seed germination.

    Landscape Uses:

    • Erosion Control: Effective on slopes and banks due to its spreading habit.
    • Groundcover: Quickly fills in bare areas and suppresses weeds.
    • Meadow Gardens: Adds a naturalized touch to wildflower meadows.
    • Informal Gardens: Contributes to a relaxed and carefree aesthetic.
    • Genus: Malva
    • Species: neglecta
    • Family: Malvaceae
    • Common Names: Common Mallow, Cheeseweed, Dwarf Mallow, Buttonweed
    • Hardiness Zones: 4a-8b
    • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
    • Habit: Creeping, spreading
    • Height: Up to 3 feet long
    • Flower Color: White, light pink, light purple
    • Bloom Time: Summer (2-3 months)
    • Maintenance: Medium (due to potential for spreading)

    Common Mallow, though often overlooked, offers numerous benefits to the garden. By understanding its growth habits and managing its spread, gardeners can harness its beauty and resilience to enhance their landscapes.

    Here are some characteristics of Malva:

    • Herbaceous perennial:
    • Malva is a flowering plant that lives for more than two years.
    • Erect or decumbent branched stem: The stem of the Malva plant can grow up to 1 meter (sometimes 1.5 meters) long and can be either upright or leaning. The stems are minutely ridged and covered with fine soft hairs.
    • Alternate, palmately lobed leaves: The leaves of the Malva plant are arranged alternately on the stem and have a palmately lobed shape, meaning that the lobes radiate out from a central point like the fingers on a hand. The leaves are typically rounded or kidney-shaped and have 3-7 shallow lobes.
    • Flowers: Malva flowers are 0.5–5 cm in diameter and come in shades of pink, lilac, purple, or white. They have five petals and a disc-shaped center. The flowers bloom singly or in clusters of 3-5 throughout the summer.
    • Fruit: The fruit of the Malva plant is a small, rounded disc-shaped structure that splits into several sections. It is said to resemble a miniature cheese wheel, which has given rise to some of the plant's common names, such as cheeseweed, cheeseplant, and common mallow.

    Malva is a member of the Malvaceae family, which also includes hibiscus, cotton, and okra. The genus Malva includes about 25 species of plants, most of which are native to Europe and Asia. However, some species of Malva have been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, where they can be found growing in waste areas, roadsides, and disturbed habitats.

    Malva is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Malva is also drought-tolerant once established. The flowers of Malva are attractive to bees and other pollinators. The leaves and flowers of Malva are also edible and can be used in salads or teas. However, it is important to note that Malva can cause skin irritation in some people.

    There are two main ways to plant Malva: directly sowing seeds outdoors or starting them indoors (not recommended). Here is a breakdown of both methods:

    Planting Malva Seeds Outdoors (Preferred):

    • Timing: The ideal time for planting Malva seeds outdoors depends on your climate. In most cases, you will want to wait until after the danger of frost has passed in spring. In areas with mild winters, you can also sow seeds in the fall.
    • Location: Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Malva prefers well-drained soil, so avoid areas that tend to stay soggy.
    • Planting: Sow the seeds directly in the garden bed where you want the Malva plants to grow. Scatter the seeds over the prepared soil surface and barely cover them with a thin layer of soil, about 1/8 inch deep.
    • Spacing: Once the seedlings emerge, you will need to thin them to allow for proper growth. Aim for a spacing of 3 feet between mature Malva plants.
    • Watering: Keep the soil moist until the seedlings establish themselves. After that, Malva is fairly drought-tolerant.

    Starting Malva Seeds Indoors (Less Successful):

    • Malva does not transplant well, so starting seeds indoors and then transplanting them outdoors is generally not recommended. However, if you are determined to try this method, you can use peat pots to minimize root disturbance during transplanting.

    Here are some additional tips for planting Malva:

    • You can enrich the soil with compost before planting to improve drainage and provide nutrients for the plants.
    • Malva is a prolific self-seeder, so you may find volunteer seedlings popping up in your garden in unexpected places. You can either leave them be or carefully transplant them to a desired location.
    • Deadheading spent flowers can encourage continued blooming throughout the season.

    By following these tips, you should be successful in planting and growing Malva in your garden.

    There are about 25 species of Malva plants, most of which are native to Europe and Asia. Here are some of the popular varieties:

    • Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris): This is the most common type of Malva. It has pink or mauve flowers with five petals and grows up to 3 feet tall.
    • Musk Mallow (Malva moschata): This variety is known for its fragrant pink flowers, which have a musky scent. It grows up to 2 feet tall and prefers full sun.
    • Greater Musk Mallow (Malva alcea): This is a taller variety of Malva moschata, growing up to 6 feet tall. It has large, showy flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple.
    • Dwarf Mallow (Malva neglecta): This low-growing variety is perfect for edging or borders. It has small, white flowers and grows up to 1 foot tall.
    • Mauritanian Mallow (Malva sylvestris var. mauritania): This variety is prized for its unique, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. It grows up to 4 feet tall.
    • Chinese Mallow (Malva verticillata): This variety has clusters of small, white flowers and grows up to 5 feet tall. It is a popular choice for cottage gardens.

    These are just a few of the many varieties of Malva available. With their wide range of sizes, flower colors, and bloom times, Malva plants can be a valuable addition to any garden.

    Here is how to care for your Malva once it is planted in your garden:

    Sunlight and Soil:

    • Malva prefers full sun to partial shade. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
    • They are adaptable to most soil conditions but thrive in well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with some sand or compost to improve drainage.

    Watering:

    • Malva is fairly drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first few weeks after planting to help the roots develop. After that, water deeply only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
    • Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

    Feeding:

    • Malva is not a heavy feeder and generally does not require additional fertilizer, especially if your soil is fertile. However, if your plants seem weak or show poor growth, you can give them a light feeding with a balanced fertilizer once during the growing season.

    Pruning and Deadheading:

    • Deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming season will encourage continued flowering. You can simply pinch off the wilted flowers with your fingers.
    • Pruning is not essential for Malva, but you can lightly prune the plants in midsummer to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.

    Pests and Diseases:

    • Malva is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they may occasionally be bothered by aphids, slugs, or powdery mildew. You can control aphids with insecticidal soap spray and remove slugs by hand. Powdery mildew can be treated with a fungicide but ensure its suitable for use on Malva.

    Additional Tips:

    • Malva readily self-seeds, so you may find volunteer seedlings popping up in your garden. You can either leave them be or transplant them to a desired location.
    • To prevent excessive self-seeding, deadhead the flowers more frequently before they set seed.
    • Malva is generally short-lived perennials, lasting 2-3 years. However, they can be easily propagated from seed to ensure a continuous display of flowers in your garden.

    By following these simple care tips, you can enjoy the beauty of Malva in your garden for many years to come.

    Malva definitely attracts pollinators! Here is why:

    • Colorful flowers: Malva comes in a range of attractive colors for pollinators, including pink, mauve, purple, and white. These bright colors act as a beacon, inviting pollinators to visit the flowers.
    • Nectar production: Malva flowers produce nectar, a sugary substance that is a valuable food source for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The nectar provides them with energy to fly and forage for more food.
    • Pollen: Malva flowers also produce pollen, which is another food source for pollinators, particularly bees. While honeybees may not be particularly interested in Malva pollen, many other bee species are.
    • Flower shape: The open, cup-shaped flowers of Malva are easy for pollinators of all sizes to access the nectar and pollen inside.

    Overall, the combination of colorful blooms, nectar production, accessible pollen, and flower shape makes Malva a very attractive plant for a variety of pollinators. Adding Malva to your garden can not only beautify your space but also support the vital ecological role that pollinators play.

    While Malva is generally a low-maintenance plant and resistant to most pests and diseases, there are a few occasional threats to watch out for:

    Pests:

    • Aphids: These tiny, soft-bodied insects suck the sap from Malva leaves, causing them to curl and distort.
    • Slugs and Snails: These slimy creatures munch on Malva leaves, leaving ragged holes.

    Diseases:

    • Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as white powdery patches on the leaves and stems of Malva.

    Let us look at how to manage these issues:

    Pest Management:

    • Aphids: You can control light infestations of aphids by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap spray. This is a natural and less harsh option compared to chemical pesticides.
    • Slugs and Snails: Handpicking them off your plants in the early morning or evening is the most effective way to control them. You can also create a barrier around your Malva plants with crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth, which dehydrates slugs and snails.

    Disease Management:

    • Powdery mildew: Good air circulation can help prevent powdery mildew. If you notice it, try spraying the affected areas with a fungicide specifically labeled for use on Malva. Opt for organic fungicides like neem oil or sulfur if possible.

    Here are some additional tips to keep your Malva healthy:

    • Watering: Avoid overwatering, as this can create damp conditions that favor fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
    • Spacing: Ensure proper spacing between Malva plants to allow for good air circulation, which can help deter both pests and diseases.
    • Removal: If a Malva plant becomes heavily infested or diseased, it is best to remove it to prevent the problem from spreading to other plants in your garden.

    By following these tips and keeping an eye out for potential problems, you can help your Malva plants thrive and enjoy their beautiful flowers throughout the season.

    You can use Malva in floral arrangements, but with some considerations:

    Pros:

    • Beautiful blooms: Malva flowers come in a range of attractive colors like pink, mauve, purple, and white, adding a touch of cottage charm to arrangements.
    • Varieties in size and shape: There are Malva varieties with flower sizes ranging from small and delicate to large and showy. You can choose the type that best suits your arrangement's style.
    • Long bloom time: Malva flowers throughout the summer, providing a steady supply of blooms for your arrangements.

    Cons:

    • Short vase life: Unfortunately, Malva flowers tend to have a relatively short vase life compared to some other flowers. They may only last 1-3 days in a vase.
    • Delicate petals: Malva flowers have delicate petals that can bruise or wilt easily, especially if handled roughly.

    Here are some tips for using Malva in floral arrangements:

    • Harvest flowers early in the morning: Cut the flowers just as the buds begin to open for the longest vase life.
    • Condition the flowers: Before arranging, place the Malva stems in a vase filled with cool water for several hours. This will help them hydrate and extend their vase life.
    • Use floral sealant: Apply a floral sealant spray to the Malva blooms to help protect the delicate petals and minimize moisture loss.
    • Combine with sturdier flowers: Pair Malva with longer-lasting flowers like roses, lilies, or daisies to create arrangements that will last longer.
    • Use Malva strategically: Malva can be a lovely accent flower in an arrangement. Use them towards the center or back of the arrangement for more support.

    Alternatives for longer-lasting arrangements:

    If a long vase life is a major concern, here are some alternative flower choices with similar aesthetics:

    • Hollyhocks: These close relatives of Malva have larger, showier flowers and a longer vase life (up to a week).
    • Lavatera: Another Malvaceae family member, Lavatera boasts similar cup-shaped blooms in a wider color range and can last up to 5 days in a vase.
    • Cosmos: These cheerful daisy-like flowers come in various colors and have a long vase life (up to 7 days).

    Ultimately, the decision of whether to use Malva in your arrangements depends on your desired aesthetic and how much effort you are willing to put into extending their vase life.

    The invasiveness of Malva depends on the specific species. Here is the breakdown:

    • Common Mallow (Malva neglecta): This is the most common type of Malva and is considered invasive in many parts of the world, including some states in the US. It can aggressively self-seed and crowd out native plants.
    • Other Malva species: Many other Malva species, like Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) or Malva moschata (Musk Mallow), are not typically considered invasive. However, it is always best to check with local resources or native plant societies to see if there are any concerns about specific Malva varieties in your area.

    Here are some resources to help you identify the Malva species you have and determine its invasive potential in your location:

    If you are concerned about planting an invasive species, there are many other beautiful Malva varieties that are not considered invasive. These can be great choices for your garden and will help support biodiversity.

    The best time to propagate Malva depends on the method you choose:

    Propagation by Seed:

    • Spring: This is the generally recommended time for sowing Malva seeds outdoors in most climates. It allows the seedlings to establish themselves before the hot summer weather arrives. Ideally, wait until after the danger of frost has passed in your area.
    • Fall: In areas with mild winters, you can also sow Malva seeds in the fall. This can give the seeds a head start on germination the following spring.

    Propagation by Division (not recommended):

    • Malva generally does not transplant well, so propagation by division is not the best method. However, if you absolutely must try it:
      • Early spring or fall: These are the coolest times of the year, causing less stress on the plant during division.

    Here is a quick summary:

    Propagation Method

    Best Time

    Seed (outdoors)

    Spring (after frost danger)

    Seed (outdoors, mild winters)

    Fall

    Division (not recommended)

    Early spring or fall

    There are several benefits to planting Malva in your garden, both aesthetic and functional:

    • Beauty and Color: Malva comes in a range of attractive flower colors like pink, mauve, purple, and white, adding a touch of charm to your garden throughout the summer.
    • Varieties to Suit Your Needs: With Malva varieties offering a range of flower sizes and heights, you can find the perfect kind to fit your garden design. Some are low-growing and ideal for borders, while others offer tall, showy blooms.
    • Attracts Pollinators: Malva's colorful flowers, nectar production, and accessible pollen make it a magnet for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This can help support the local ecosystem and promote healthy pollination in your garden.
    • Easy to Grow: Malva is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in most well-drained soils and tolerates some drought conditions once established.
    • Self-Seeding: If you do not mind some volunteer seedlings popping up in unexpected places, Malva's self-seeding nature can ensure a continuous display of flowers year after year.
    • Potential Medicinal Uses: While scientific evidence is limited, traditionally, Malva leaves and flowers have been used in herbal remedies for coughs, sore throats, and digestive issues.

    However, there are also a few things to consider:

    • Invasiveness: Be sure to choose a Malva variety that is not considered invasive in your area. Common Mallow (Malva neglecta) can be quite aggressive.
    • Short Vase Life: If you plan to use Malva in cut flower arrangements, be aware that their vase life is generally shorter than some other flowers.

    Overall, Malva is a beautiful and versatile flowering plant that can bring a variety of benefits to your garden. Just choose the right variety and consider its maintenance needs before planting.