How to Take Care of a Malva Sylvestris Plant
Malva sylvestris is a member of the Malvaceae family and is sometimes known as tree mallow or rose mallow. Considered an annual in zones 4 to 8, this plant does self-seed, so to some it might be considered a perennial or biennial. Malva is a bushy plant with flowers that resemble hollyhocks, and blooms from late summer into fall. Colors include pink, purple, deep red and white.
Planting and Care of Malva Sylvestris
When planting either seeds or plants, choose a spot with full sun. Planting should be done in the spring. Spacing should be at least 2 feet apart for container-grown plants. Plantlings need plenty of water.
- Malva sylvestris is a member of the Malvaceae family and is sometimes known as tree mallow or rose mallow.
- Spacing should be at least 2 feet apart for container-grown plants.
To avoid overcrowding, small plants can be thinned out by either digging them and transplanting to an alternate site or discarding them.
During the blooming season and when plants reach 1 foot in height, trim the ends of the branches to increase bushy growth.
During the summer months, Malva doesn't require much water. It is a pretty drought-tolerant plant once established.
To increase flower bloom, deadhead the spent flowers. Taller varieties mgith need staking, and some are prone to insects, such as Japanese beetles.
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References
- Pick the Right Plant; Time-Life Books; 1998
- Annual Gardening; June Hutson; 1995
Writer Bio
Sonia Acone is a full-time freelance writer in northeast Pennsylvania. She has been published by The Wild Rose Press and is currently writing children's picture books, as well as online content. Acone writes articles for eHow and GardenGuides.com. She has been freelance writing since 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and professional writing from Elizabethtown College.
