Anisodontea malvastroides
Anisodontea malvastroides · Malvaceae
The gardener's calendar
Anisodontea malvastroides is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Anisodontea malvastroides
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- May to September
- Adult size
- Approximately 1.5 m tall
- Hardiness
- Moderate, protect in cold climates
- Origin
- South Africa
- Growth
- Fast
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Anisodontea malvastroides flowers for a very long time (May-September) with small pale pink blooms: plant in full sun, light and well-drained soil, without rich fertilizer (tends to produce excessive foliage).
The common mistake
Regular feeding or growing it in rich soil: it becomes huge with few flowers.
The pro's trick
Cut it back hard in March (prune to 30-40 cm height): this thickens the shape and boosts flowering.
Care
Sunlight
This shrubby mallow requires full sun to develop and flower generously. Position it in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In hot climates, light afternoon shade can be beneficial to extend summer blooming.
Watering
Water regularly but without excess, keeping the soil moist but well-drained. Once established, the plant tolerates drought better. During hot and dry periods, water 2 to 3 times per week; in winter, reduce watering according to needs and climatic conditions.
Soil
Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. Choose a light substrate enriched with peat, with the possibility of adding sand or clay pellets. This plant tolerates poor soils and can handle slight alkalinity.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain a compact shape and encourage branching. Remove dead or damaged branches as needed. Pinching young stems encourages better plant density.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer once monthly during the growing and flowering season (spring-summer). Too much nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers; prefer a lightly dosed formula or one specific to flowering plants.
Diseases and pests
This plant is generally robust. Watch for spider mites or whiteflies in hot, dry climates. Excess moisture or poor drainage can promote root rot; ensure good air circulation and keep foliage dry.
Did you know?
The shrubby mallow (Anisodontea malvastroides) is native to South Africa, where it grows naturally in semi-arid regions. Its name 'Anisodontea' literally means 'unequal teeth' in Greek, referring to the particular structure of its calyx teeth. With its extended flowering from May to September and generous form, it has become essential in Mediterranean gardens and terraces throughout the Mediterranean region.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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.