Common Mallow
Malva sylvestris
An herbaceous plant characterized by distinct lobed leaves with serrated margins, hairy stems, and a strong root system.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, approximately 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water
- Moderate watering, allow the top layer of soil to dry out between watering sessions
- Growth
- Herbaceous perennial or biennial with an upright or spreading growth habit, reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet
Care instructions
Provide full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. Water moderately when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, approximately 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Moderate watering, allow the top layer of soil to dry out between watering sessions
Soil
Adaptable to most soil types provided they are well-draining, preferring a neutral pH range around 6.0 to 7.0
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8
Growth habit
Herbaceous perennial or biennial with an upright or spreading growth habit, reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet
Bloom season
Flowers from late spring through late summer with distinctive pink to purple petals
Propagation
Propagated primarily through seeds sown in spring or via stem cuttings
Common pests & issues
Generally resilient, but can occasionally be affected by rust fungus or powdery mildew in overly humid conditions
Similar species
Alcea rosea (hollyhock), distinguished by its taller, more strictly vertical flowering spikes