Sandrose Mallow
Anisodontea scabrosa · Malvaceae
📷 JMK · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Sandrose mallow is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Anisodontea scabrosa
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Form
- Bushy shrub
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- May to September
- Adult size
- Approximately 120 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Moderate (frost-sensitive below -5°C)
- Origin
- South Africa
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Anisodontea scabrosa flowers best if you prune it lightly in spring (March) to rejuvenate the shape and stimulate branching. It loves very well-drained soil and dreads overwatering.
The common mistake
Not pruning at all: after 3 years it gets messy, flowers poorly, and becomes prone to rot.
The pro's trick
In late winter, cut branches back to 60–70 cm; you rejuvenate the plant and create a dense structure that'll support prolific flowering from May to September.
Seasonal watch
In very humid autumn, remove lower leaves and open up the centre to prevent fungal rot at the collar.
Care
Exposure
Place your shrubby mallow in full sun for abundant and prolonged flowering. It tolerates very sunny situations and handles summer heat well. Avoid partial shade, which would reduce flower production.
Watering
This plant is not very water-hungry once established. Water regularly during the first year and after planting. In summer, let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Excess water promotes rot, especially in winter.
Soil and drainage
Well-draining soil is essential for this South African shrub. Prefer light, even poor substrate rather than heavy, compacted soil. Enrich the planting hole with sand or gravel to improve drainage.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Remove dead or damaged wood in late winter. Moderate pruning encourages branching and strengthens the plant without weakening it.
Fertilizing
Moderate fertilizing is sufficient. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring or flowering plant fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
This plant is generally robust. Watch for aphids and whiteflies in warm conditions. With excessive watering, root rot may occur. Ensure good drainage and sufficient air circulation to prevent any fungal issues.
Did you know?
Anisodontea scabrosa is native to semi-arid coastal zones of South Africa, where it naturally grows on poor, rocky soils. Its scientific name "Anisodontea" means "unequal teeth," referring to the particular shape of its petals and sepals. This charming mallow has gradually become popular in Mediterranean horticulture for its relative hardiness and generous flowering over an extended period.
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.