Mallow
malva alcea
Also known as: ["High Mallow","Common Mallow"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with pale pink or lavender flowers, native to Europe and Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Malva |
| Botanical Name: | Malva alcea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden border or wildflower meadow
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; tolerates average garden soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead flowers as they fade; prune lightly in early spring to remove old growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an overgrown plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacted soil; ensure good aeration for root health.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cold but may struggle in prolonged heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from cold drafts; maintain consistent humidity in dry heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before new growth emerges; stop fertilizing in late summer to avoid tender growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; seeds can also be sown in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer for stem cuttings; divide clumps in early spring or fall.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture until roots develop.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; peat moss can be added for moisture retention.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Stem cuttings root in 3–6 weeks; division establishes quickly in the growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead by cutting just above a leaf node; shape by trimming back stems to desired length.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back leggy growth to maintain shape.
Tools
Hand pruners, bypass shears, clean cutting tools
Checklist
Clean tools; deadhead regularly; prune in early spring; remove damaged growth
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots gently; water after repotting
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water begins to drain from the bottom, avoiding wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in extreme heat; leaf drop or dormancy in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage if soil freezes.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from frost with a cover; ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced; growth may become stunted.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as Malva alcea is not heavy feeder.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicMalva alcea is not considered toxic to cats. The plant lacks compounds known to be harmful to felines. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but severe toxicity is not expected.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Non-toxicMalva alcea is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects in canines. However, ingestion of any plant material may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicMalva alcea, commonly known as hedge mallow, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of mucilage and other plant compounds. The plant is not known to produce any significant toxic effects on human physiology.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Malva alcea toxic to pets?
A: No, Malva alcea is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should Malva alcea be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Malva alcea attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
