Malva alcea (Greater musk mallow)

Botanical name

Malva alcea

Other names

Greater musk mallow, Hollyhock mallow, Vervain mallow

Genus

Malva Malva

Species

M. alcea - M. alcea is an erect, bushy, hairy, woody-based perennial with scalloped, heart-shaped, light green lower leaves, deeply divided upper leaves, and from early summer to early autumn, open funnel-shaped, racemes or clusters of purple-pink flowers with notched petals.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Erect, Bushy

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Colour

Flower

Purple-pink in Summer; Purple-pink in Autumn

Foliage

Light green in Spring; Light green in Summer; Light green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Specific diseases

Leaf spot , Rust

General care

Pruning

Cut back spent flower stems in autumn.

Propagation

Sow seed in situ or in containers in early spring or early summer.

Propagation methods

Seed, Basal cuttings, Softwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Malva alcea (Greater musk mallow) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Wildlife, Wildflower, Low Maintenance, Cottage/Informal, Bees (attract & feed bees), Beds and borders

Cultivation

Best grown in moderately fertile, light, well-drained soil in full sun. Will need support if grown in too fertile soil. Relatively short-lived.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

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 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Malva alcea (Greater musk 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

Malva alcea (Greater musk 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

Malva alcea (Greater musk mallow)

Common pest name

Sugarbeet webworm; Weevil; Australian tomato; Weevil; vegetable

Scientific pest name

Listroderes costirostris

Type

Insect

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)

3

General biosecurity comments

Awareness needs to be maintained due to the risk of entry as a 'hitchhiker' and monitoring of the pest in countries where it is known to be present.

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/