Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow)

Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) is an upright, bushy biennial or short-lived perennial prized for its long season of bright, open flowers. From summer into fall, 5-petaled, rose-purple blooms, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), appear singly or in clusters of 3-5 in the leaf axils. Each flower is marked with darker purple veins that guide pollinators toward the center. The blooms are visited by bees and other beneficial insects, particularly for their pollen. 

The rounded green leaves are borne on long, hairy stalks and divided into 5-9 shallow lobes, giving the plant a softly textured appearance. Easygoing and free-flowering, Common Mallow fits naturally into cottage gardens, informal borders, pollinator plantings, and wildflower gardens. It is widespread across Britain and Ireland and readily self-seeds where conditions suit it.

• Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). May self-seed freely in favorable conditions.
• Performs best in full sun or part shade in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Best flowering and flower color are generally achieved in full sun.
• Easy to grow, Common Mallow is a welcome addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and wildflower meadows.
• Larval host plant for Common Checkered Skipper, Painted Lady, and Gray Hairstreak butterfly caterpillars.
• Generally trouble-free, although hollyhock rust can occasionally affect the foliage.
• Propagate by seed.
• Native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa.