Hairy marshmallow
Althaea hirsuta · Malvaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant hairy marshmallow: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Plant type
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-July)
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, downy and bristly
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness (warm temperate zones)
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin
- Soil
- Well-drained, light, drought-tolerant
Care
Exposure
Place your bristly mallow in full sun for optimal flowering. It thrives in warm, well-exposed positions, ideal in Mediterranean regions or mild climates. Avoid shaded areas that reduce plant vigor.
Watering
Water moderately during growth, then gradually reduce waterings once established. This species tolerates drought well and dislikes excessive moisture which causes rot. Let the soil dry between waterings.
Soil and drainage
Prepare a very well-drained, light and poor to moderately fertile soil. A substrate enriched with sand or gravel promotes water drainage. Absolutely avoid heavy, clayey or constantly moist soils that harm the plant.
Fertilizer
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient. This plant of dry environments doesn't need intensive feeding. Too much fertilizer encourages foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
No formal pruning is necessary. Simply remove spent flowers to encourage longer blooming. In late autumn, eliminate dry parts after the first frosts.
Diseases and pests
Bristly mallow is generally robust. Watch for root rot caused by standing moisture, and treat preventively by improving drainage. Pests are rare under appropriate conditions.
Did you know?
The bristly mallow belongs to the same family as mallow and hibiscus, and its botanical ancestors inspired the famous confectionery 'marshmallow': in the Middle Ages, a mucilaginous paste was extracted from the roots of Althaea officinalis, then whisked with egg whites to obtain a sweet and fluffy foam. This modest plant therefore hides a delicious and aristocratic history!
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Small-leaved limeTilia cordata
- Rose of SharonHibiscus syriacus
- Marsh mallowAlthaea officinalis
- Silver LimeTilia tomentosa
- Crimean lindenTilia euchlora
- Swamp hibiscusHibiscus moscheutos
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.