Althaea cannabina
palm-leaf marsh mallow
An erect, woody-based herbaceous perennial with strong stems, up to 2m high, hairy, lobed leaves, up to 35cm long, and cup-shaped flowers, 3-5cm across. Flowers appear singly or in clusters on long stalks from the leaf axils and are lavender-pink with dark pink-purple anthers, from midsummer to early autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Purple Pink | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | Purple Pink | Green | |
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Althaea are annuals or perennials with strong, wiry stems and broadly oval, lobed leaves. Sprays of small, pink to bluish-purple, five-petalled flowers are produced from summer to autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Will tolerate a wide range of situations, and rarely needs staking; for best results grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required, but stems can be cut to the ground once flowering is over
Pests
May be susceptible to flea beetles
Diseases
May be susceptible to hollyhock rust
Get involved
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