Tree Mallow
malva tournefortiana
Also known as: ["Tree Mallow","Tournefort's Mallow"]
Overview
A tall, herbaceous perennial plant with large, lobed leaves and pale pink or lavender flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Malva |
| Botanical Name: | Malva tournefortiana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with enrichment.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning as needed; deadheading after flowering; major pruning in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; use raised beds in poorly drained areas; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate cooler nights.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options like compost tea for gentle feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings root easily in warm conditions.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., perlite and peat moss blend) or sandy soil.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting; use a mild rooting hormone if desired.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut just above a leaf node or bud; remove spent flowers at the base.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased growth; deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Clean tools before use; prune dead or damaged growth; shape as desired; remove spent flowers.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., 2 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water at the base; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold; susceptible to frost damage.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; move potted plants indoors during freezes; use row covers for garden plants.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase before fertilizing; use diluted solution; avoid contact with foliage; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicMalva tournefortiana is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a significant risk to feline health when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicMalva tournefortiana is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested by canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicMalva tournefortiana is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high fiber content. No significant toxic effects have been documented.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Malva tournefortiana toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How tall does Tree Mallow grow?
A: It typically grows to 1–2 meters in height.
Q: Does Tree Mallow attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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