Dwarf mallow
Malva neglecta · Malvaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant dwarf mallow: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Blooming
- May to September
- Adult size
- 20 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Europe and Mediterranean basin
- Soil type
- Undemanding, tolerates poor and well-drained soils
Care
Watering
Round-leaved mallow is very tolerant of drought once established. Water moderately during the growing period, especially if the climate is very dry. Under normal conditions, natural rainfall is more than sufficient.
Exposure
Place your plant in full sun or partial shade. It appreciates a sunny location to flower generously, but tolerates shadier areas well.
Soil and preparation
This plant adapts to practically all soils, even poor and compacted ones. No special preparation is necessary. Good drainage simply prevents winter waterlogging.
Pruning and maintenance
Light pruning in spring promotes a more compact and bushy shape. Remove dry or damaged stems. The plant often self-seeds naturally.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is rarely necessary. A light application of compost in spring is more than enough to support growth.
Diseases and pests
Very resistant, it is rarely affected by serious diseases or pests. Check for the absence of stagnant excess moisture that could promote fungal problems.
Did you know?
Round-leaved mallow was once widely used in traditional cooking and medicine throughout Europe. Its round, mucilaginous leaves and small pink striped flowers inspired popular remedies for respiratory and digestive ailments. Today, it remains a useful plant for natural gardens and neglected spaces, symbolizing botanical resilience.
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.