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Herbaceous PerennialAnnual Biennial

Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana 'Mystic Merlin'

mallow 'Mystic Merlin'

A woody-based, short-lived perennial often grown as an annual or biennial, with lobed and toothed green leaves. Can reach up to 1.8m high in flower, producing clusters of flowers in shades of mauve, purple and blue, with darker veins. Flowers from early to late summer

Synonyms

Malva sylvestris 'Mystic Merlin'
Malva 'Mystic Merlin Blue'

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Ultimate height

1.5–2.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

1–2 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun

Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Malvaceae
Native to the UK: No
Foliage: Semi evergreen
Habit: Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus: Malva can be annuals, biennials or perennials, with rounded, often palmately lobed leaves and 5-petalled, open funnel-shaped flowers in the leaf axils or in terminal racemes
Name status: Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in light, moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun; may need support if grown in richer soils (see staking perennials). Shelter from cold winds in areas prone to frost

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings. Plants can be short-lived so annual propagation is recommended; early sowings may flower in the first year. May self-seed in place, though seedlings may vary

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Wildflower meadow
Wildlife gardens
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to hollyhock rust and soil-borne fungal diseases

Get involved

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