Althaea officinalis (Marsh mallow)

Botanical name

Althaea officinalis

Other names

Marsh mallow, Romney marsh, Bismalva, Guimauve, Joseph's staff, Mauve, Mortification root, White mallow, Wymot, Wymote, Althaea kragujevacensis, Althaea taurinensis

Genus

Althaea Althaea

Species

A. officinalis - A. officinalis is an erect, deciduous perennial with lobed, toothed, softly hairy, grey-green leaves and clusters of pale lilac-pink flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Erect

Colour

Flower

Flushed pink, White in Summer

Foliage

Grey-green in Summer

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Capsid bug , Caterpillars , Flea beetles , Slugs

Diseases

Susceptible to a rust.

General care

Pruning

Cut back to the base after flowering.

Propagation methods

Seed

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Althaea officinalis (Marsh mallow) will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 1-2 years.

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.

Soil type

Clay, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Boggy damp conditions, Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Althaea officinalis (Marsh mallow)

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Althaea officinalis (Marsh mallow)

Common pest name

cotton mealybug

Scientific pest name

Phenacoccus solenopsis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Watching brief for potential impact on tomato production in the Mediterranean. Other southern European countries likely to be more at risk. Precautionary action will be taken on findings on planting material to protect glasshouse crops and botanical gardens.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Althaea officinalis (Marsh mallow)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Epicauta atomaria

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

1

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

South American blister beetle; affecting solanaceous crops which (as plants for planting) are prohibited from entering the UK.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/