Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana 'Zebrina'
mallow
A vigorous, woody-based perennial often grown as a biennial or annual, producing clusters of pale pink flowers with bold reddish-purple...
approx 50 seeds
£3.99
available to order from autumn
1
Plant description
A vigorous, woody-based perennial often grown as a biennial or annual, producing clusters of pale pink flowers with bold reddish-purple streaks from early summer to autumn.
Reaching up to 1.2m (5ft) in height, this mallow has rounded, lobed green leaves that create a bushy, upright habit. Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana 'Zebrina' is valued for its ability to thrive in poor soils, tolerate drought (once established), and attract bees and other pollinators. While short-lived (and sometimes grown as a biennial), it readily self-seeds, ensuring long-lasting displays in cottage and wildlife gardens.
Ideal for mixed or herbaceous borders, it blends well with other perennials, adding colour and structure throughout the season.
Reaching up to 1.2m (5ft) in height, this mallow has rounded, lobed green leaves that create a bushy, upright habit. Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana 'Zebrina' is valued for its ability to thrive in poor soils, tolerate drought (once established), and attract bees and other pollinators. While short-lived (and sometimes grown as a biennial), it readily self-seeds, ensuring long-lasting displays in cottage and wildlife gardens.
Ideal for mixed or herbaceous borders, it blends well with other perennials, adding colour and structure throughout the season.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth
Fast-growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana Zebrina:
Plant Malva in a sunny position with well-drained, moderately fertile soil, adding organic matter at planting time for best results. Space plants around 45cm (18in) apart to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of mildew.
Water regularly until established, then only during prolonged dry spells, as mature plants become drought-tolerant. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support growth and flowering, but avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage more leaves than blooms.
Keep an eye out for rust and powdery mildew, removing affected leaves and ensuring good airflow to prevent disease.
In exposed areas, tall stems may need staking to prevent wind damage. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming and reduce self-seeding unless seedlings are desired. After flowering, cut back to within 30cm (12in) of the ground in spring once frosts have passed, and mulch with well-rotted compost or manure to retain moisture and improve soil structure.
In windy sites, shortening stems by half in autumn helps minimise the risk of damage.
Water regularly until established, then only during prolonged dry spells, as mature plants become drought-tolerant. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support growth and flowering, but avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage more leaves than blooms.
Keep an eye out for rust and powdery mildew, removing affected leaves and ensuring good airflow to prevent disease.
In exposed areas, tall stems may need staking to prevent wind damage. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming and reduce self-seeding unless seedlings are desired. After flowering, cut back to within 30cm (12in) of the ground in spring once frosts have passed, and mulch with well-rotted compost or manure to retain moisture and improve soil structure.
In windy sites, shortening stems by half in autumn helps minimise the risk of damage.
Sowing instructions:
Start off under glass (a greenhouse or cold frame is ideal), sowing seed into pre-moistened compost before lightly covering. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, gently pot them up individually and grow them on before planting out in summer.
Alternatively, direct sow in late spring or early summer into a well-prepared seedbed and thin to 45cm (18in) as they grow.
Alternatively, direct sow in late spring or early summer into a well-prepared seedbed and thin to 45cm (18in) as they grow.
Please note:
This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
