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Malvaceae
Hollyhock Mallow
Malva alcea
Gentle beauty and simplicity.
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Genus
- Malva
- Native to
- Europe, western Asia
- Bloom season
- Summer, Early Fall
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 60–120 cm
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- average, well-drained
- Water
- low to moderate
- Hardiness
- 4–8
- Lifespan
- short-lived perennial; self-sows freely
Did you know
- Despite its common name, hollyhock mallow is more closely related to common mallow than true hollyhocks.
- The deeply cut, palmate leaves distinguish it from other mallows, which have shallower lobes.
- All parts of the plant are edible; the leaves can be used as a salad green or cooked like spinach.
- Malva alcea is resistant to rust disease, unlike true hollyhocks which are famously susceptible.
- In medieval monastic gardens it was grown as a medicinal herb to soothe sore throats.
Color meanings
Pink
sweetness and charm
Lavender
delicate grace