Althaea officinalis (Marsh mallow)
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Beginner skill rating |
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0.5m max. spread |
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2.5m max. height |
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2 years to maturity |
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1 hour care per year |
Botanical name: Althaea officinalis
Other names: Marsh mallow, Romney marsh
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Genus: Althaea
Species: A. officinalis - A. officinalis is a hardy biennial, with greyish velvety leaves and white flowers flushed deep pink in summer.
Althaea officinalis is: Deciduous
Flower: White, Flushed pink in Summer
Foliage: Grey-green in Summer
Habit: Erect
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Watch out for
Specific pests: Capsid bug , Caterpillars , Flea beetles , Slugs
Diseases: Susceptible to a rust.
General care
Pruning: Cut back after flowering.. REGISTER to read more...
Propagation methods: Seed. REGISTER to read more...
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Althaea officinalis (Marsh mallow) will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 2 years.
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Suggested uses: Beds and borders, Bog garden, Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Waterside, Wildlife
Cultivation: Plant in damp, moist soil in full sun. Staking is advised particularly in windy locations.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Clay, Loamy, Sandy |  |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Boggy damp conditions, Moisture-retentive | |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | |
| Light: | Full Sun | |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | |
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Althaea officinalis
Comment from
Marsh-mallow is a tall plant resembling a hollyhock. Some people consider it to be difficult to grow in the garden, but it is widely available from nurseries. The slimy roots used to be boiled to a jelly to make the confectionery named after it; in France dried marsh-mallow roots are still sold as a soother for teething babies to chew on.The name Althaea is derived from the Greek altho, meaning to cure - from its healing properties; whilst the plant family name Malvaceae comes from the Greek malake meaning soft, from the particular qualities of the mallow family in softening and healing.
- Views: 209
- Replies: 0
- Posted: Sun. 7th June 2009 10:21
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