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Small-flowered mallow
Malva parviflora · Malvaceae
📷 Didier Descouens · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around small-flowered mallow and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Type
- Annual or biennial herb
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-September)
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Tender, prefers mild climates
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin and North Africa
- Growth
- Fast
Care
Exposure
Plant the small-flowered mallow in full sun or partial shade to encourage generous flowering. It tolerates hot and sunny exposures well, ideal for Mediterranean gardens or open, well-lit areas.
Soil
This plant appreciates well-drained, light soil that can even be rather poor. Dense clay soil should be loosened with sand or gravel. It adapts to dry soils once established.
Watering
Water regularly during the first weeks after planting to promote root establishment. Once well established, it becomes tolerant of drought; gradually reduce water during the hot season.
Fertilizing
Undemanding, mallow requires only moderate fertilizing. A balanced fertilizer applied at the beginning of the season is sufficient; excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and pinching
Pinch young shoots in spring to thicken branching and obtain a bushier plant. Regularly remove spent flowers to extend flowering and prevent uncontrolled self-seeding.
Diseases and pests
Generally robust, it dislikes excessive moisture which can encourage fungal diseases. Ensure good air circulation and avoid watering the foliage in the late afternoon.
Did you know?
Mallow has been used since Antiquity in herbal medicine: the Greeks and Romans consumed its boiled leaves. It remains a generous plant that self-seeds easily, sometimes acting as a friendly 'weed' in Mediterranean gardens, reflecting its deep roots in popular flora.
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 →Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.