Althaea officinalis
marsh mallow
A native, herbaceous perennial with softly hairy, grey-green leaves and stems. Small clusters of saucer-shaped, lilac-pink flowers appear on tall flowering stems from mid-summer to early autumn
Other common names
bismalvaguimauve
see moreJoseph's staff
mauve
mortification root
white mallow
wymot
wymote
hocysen y morfa
Synonyms
Althaea taurinensis DC., non C.A. Mey.Althaea kragujevacensis
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Easy to grow and tolerates a wide range of conditions, though does best in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in mid-summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Cut down to ground once flowering is over
Pests
May be susceptible to flea beetles
Diseases
May be affected by a rust
Get involved
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