Common Mallow

Malva sylvestris

Family: MalvaceaeNative: Europe, North Africa, and temperate AsiaIdentified: Aug 17, 2026

A herbaceous plant featuring distinct lobed, serrated, green leaves with a slightly fuzzy texture arranged alternately on upright stems.

Light: Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Water: Moderate watering needs; allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. Drought tolerant once established.
Growth: Herbaceous perennial growing to a height of 1 to 4 feet with an upright branching form

Care instructions

Grow in well-drained soil with regular watering during dry periods. Provide ample sunlight to encourage healthy foliage and flowering.

Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily

Moderate watering needs; allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. Drought tolerant once established.

Prefers loamy, well-draining soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH range of 6.0 to 7.5

USDA zones 4 through 8

Herbaceous perennial growing to a height of 1 to 4 feet with an upright branching form

Blooms from mid-summer to early autumn, producing showy pink to purple flowers with dark veining

Propagated easily by sowing seeds directly in the ground in spring or autumn

Generally resilient, though susceptible to rust fungi and powdery mildew in humid environments

Marsh-mallow (Althaea officinalis), which features softer, velvety leaves and paler flowers