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Malva Blue Bird ('Renlav')
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

mallow [Blue Bird]

A bushy, semi-evergreen sub-shrub, with downy, palmately lobed leaves. Pale blue flowers with dark purple veining through the summer.

Synonyms
Malva 'Renlav'
Lavatera 'Renlav'
see moreLavatera Blue Bird

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Malvaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Position in full sun, in well drained soil. In very cold areas mulch for winter protection.

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 6

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to rust

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